5.0GN tow

Yet another reason to keep my 2013, seems odd that after a generation of proven TBC modules they would change them enough to cause issues.

jlewis805

I don't know if there is any way to test without a trailer because, as with other people, the problem didn't show up until after I had towed the trailer a couple of times.
You might buy a 7 way plug tester and check it out.

The other thing is that, fortunately, this problem seems to be pretty rare based on talking with service techs as we travel. We love our 2015 Lariat and have adapted to the external brake controller though I am not letting go of pushing for a functioning TBC, which is what we paid for.

bexiga

I agree, I have the same truck as you. I will be pretty pissed if this is going to be a problem ! Keeping my fingers crossed, I guess I will have to see what happens when its time to use it.

ncz

You can test without trailer but you will need a tester that has a brake simulator(sink/resistor) in it. Test light won't do it

lyouden

I just posted in another section of this forum but I am on my 5th controller now. My trailer brakes lock up (thankfully not when I am driving but rather when I go from Park to Drive). The message has been "trailer brake controller failure" or now the new one 'Trailer Wiring Fault' but there is no trailer connected. I am at my wits end. I seem to spend every road trip at a dealership. This isn't a part they have in stock so they are usually couple of day stop overs. We just keep replacing the controller. The failures have been random with one common - after hauling for a while (could be 1 hour, could be 4 hours), I shut the truck off, go to start it again. Trailer brakes lock.

Those of you who have used an external after market controller has there been success?

jlewis805

I had the dealer install an aftermarket controller about six months ago and it is working fine.
The only problem is that every time I hook up the trailer I have to clear the fault message, which just reminds me that this whole thing is still unresolved. I want my F150 to have a working factory installed controller which is what I paid for. I won't have another replacement installed till I know this issue has been addressed.
But this fine for now.

ncz

Yes, but I will probably fit the factory TBC at a later date, I needed a TBC quickly and local shop fit this one in the factory cubbie.

lyouden

I agree it really bugs me and I find it so annoying that the problem can't be fixed. I am leaning to what you did because I live in the Canadian Rockies and having braking issues in this area is just not an option for me. My wife has a horse and I can't imagine the stress if her trailer was on the side of the road on a hot day.

The temporary fix of the external might be my only option right now.

JJM

How do you know it's not your trailer? After 5 new controllers I'd say the trailer is the common denominator.

1atalbot

Seems many of us are having the same issues I saw in another post to refer to SSM 45508 my brake controller is not working in manual mode at all, if I squeeze the controls it comes on & off like its shorting out, never had this issue on any of my previous trucks. Have an appointment to drop it off this Saturday, seems Ford has modified the controllers and flash updates.