Thawk

Hello:

I have a 2009 F-150 FX4 it has factory installed trailer brake and tow package. The wiring connector is factory installed with this package. The electronic brakes for the trailer seem to work but the trailer has no lights (running, stop, and turn signals). I know the trailer is in working order because the lights work when connected to another vehicle. I just bought my 2009 F-150 3 weeks ago so this is the first time I tried to connect a trailer to it. I used a multimeter to read the voltage at the connector on the truck side and see no voltage. What should I do or check at this point?

Thanks for any help

v_tach

So far every trailer issue I've read about the with new 09's has ultimately been because of non-standard wiring on the trailer or a bad ground on the trailer.

Be aware, just because it worked with another vehicle, doesn't mean that vehicle's connector was wired correctly.

However, if you don't already have the information, this is the pin-out for the truck's connector and it is the industry standrad...
The trailer charge pin isnt hot from the factory. There is a relay and a fuse that needs to be installed that is supplied with the vehicle in a separate package. All the lights should work though.

big_ole_truck

I noticed the separate package containing the relay and fuse. The consumer needs to plug in the relay and fuse after taking delivery of the truck but why? This should have been done during the assembly process in my humble opinion.

v_tach

Its a safety issue. Unfortunately its all too common for trailers to have non-standard wiring at the trailer connector. The truck's trailer charge circuit can deliver enough current to start a fire in the trailer before the circuit's fuse gives in.

By leaving the relay and fuse up to the vehicle owner's responsibility, Ford helps alleviate some of the liability of something they have no control over.

Thawk

Where does the relay and fuse go? Some instructions would be nice.

Thawk

My trailer is wired to match what is described by the diagram V tach showed. I do not have the relay and fuse installed. The trailer works with my other F-150 and Toyota Tacoma also.

Thawk

Where is the location of the connector for the trailer plug made? I am asking about the connector that supply the signals to the trucks 4/7 pin trailer plug.

v_tach

I don't know.

The relay and fuse go in the fuse box on top of the radiator. I don't have the exact locations off-hand. They do not enable the trailer lights though, only the charge lead. The trailer lights work without the relay and fuse.

big_ole_truck

Ahh, thanks for the info. I asked the dealer the same question, salesman shrugged his shoulders and said 'dunno why'.

Thawk....the instructions are in the fuse and relay package the end user (ie. buyer) has to install post delivery.

Thawk

Problem Solved. It was the fuse; I guess it was blown from the factory / transit. The fuse was replaced by the dealer and all is well. Thanks for everyone input.