John53

I'm having a similar problem with my 2015 Expedition HD towing package. We were intermittently getting a message saying "trailer wiring fault", even though there was no trailer attached. Yesterday, towing my 8000# triple axle boat trailer, got the message, the trailer brakes locked up and smoke started coming out of the brake controller. Shut off the car, disconnected the trailer pig tail and had to drive 35 miles into town with no trailer brakes, turn signals or brake lights. Yes, I know it was illegal, so skip the lectures please. I at first thought it was the trailer getting wet in the lake, but then my wife reminded me of the previous messages. Now I'm thinking that it is probably the car and not the trailer. Anyone else experience this??

Globalpiggy

My 2015 F150 V8 had the same problem as described this weekend. Arrived at Campsite, and turned off vehicle. Then we needed to move since the campsite pedestal didn't have power. Started moving and I am dragging camper (not really but it wasnt budging cuz brakes were locked up) and smelling electrical smoke. I shut everything down. Disconnected the trailer pig tail and had to drive 50 miles into town with no trailer brakes, turn signals or brake lights as we. Everytime I start it up I get the message saying "trailer wiring fault", even though our trailer isn't attached. Appointment with dealer is tomorrow. Will provide some of the info from the forum.

Is this a warranty issue?

John53

The local Ford dealer replaced my controller even though I had 45,000 miles. The Expedition is a 2015 and we had just put on 10,000 miles in the last two months due to a sickness in the family. Apparently they have a fund for things that technically aren't on warranty but probably should be. They can use it at their own discretion, especially if they consider you to be a good customer and it probably helps to be nice about it when you are discussing the problem. My marine dealer is still checking out the trailer to make sure there are no shorts in the wiring, because if I fry a second electric brake controller, I doubt that Ford will be as forgiving.

Globalpiggy

Dealer is giving vehicle back because part is back ordered. And "they have no idea when it will come in". Sigh

John53

You need to slap your dealer upside the head. The part was unavailable from Ford, so my local dealer ordered it from the manufacturer in Memphis and had it shipped overnight. The repair was done the next day. In the process of purchasing a camp trailer with electric brakes, so if the controller fries with that hooked up as well, we will know for sure that it is the vehicle and not the trailer.

Globalpiggy

John53 You don't happen to know the part number by chance. I will follow up with them as when I asked they said it was under severe backorder.

John53

I have attached a copy of my receipt from the dealer. It lists the part number. As I said, they overnighted it directly from the manufacturer. I covered up the part with my name and phone number since I don't think it would be smart to broadcast that all over the internet.
I hope this helps you. I still have not tried pulling a trailer since the controller was replaced, but at least the "trailer wiring fault" message has gone away.


I'm pretty sure that I attached the scanned image file correctly. If it doesn't appear, I will try again.

rlaurin

lost trailer brakes for 2nd time in 2 years went to a large RV sales center they told me not the trailer have to go to Ford dealer. Initial encounter was told it could be fifth wheel hitch. they replaced trailer connector and told me everything is ok but went I plug in trailer and step on brake my gain only shows 1 bar when I use hand control it shows 7 bar. Hocked different truck everything ok. Hock my truck to a different trailer apply brake gain shows 1 bar use hand control shows 7 bars. Anyone else having same problem

ddlaz

have you asked for a brake controller software flash? I haven't had any trailer issues since my flash several years ago.

rlaurin

as anyone ever complained to Ford Motor company. I have and they tell me nobody else as ever complained about locking brakes or loosing trailer brakes