Testing the integrated brake controller without a trailer
5 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 9,099
Likes: 3,211
From: Kentucky
Scoundrel
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 510
Likes: 218
From: Montrose, Colorado
Do NOT set up your brakes like this! The ITBC varies trailer brake effort by speed. Follow Ford's instructions to achieve at least 25 mph before pressing the lever, and adjust until the trailer wheels no longer lock up. If you set the gain while moving less than 25 mph, you will be leaving some braking power on the table.
Davel4wa
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cathlamet, WA
Testing Trailer Brake Circuit
Is there a way to test the integrated brake controller without hooking up to a trailer?
I recently installed it and activated the two settings in forscan in preparation for picking up my new toy hauler as detailed in an earlier thread. I don't want to get there and find out it's not working.
When I manually squeeze the brake levers I do get a 'no trailer detected' pop up on the dash. Does that mean it's working? Can anyone else manually activate their brake controller without a trailer and see if that pops up on theirs as well?
I recently installed it and activated the two settings in forscan in preparation for picking up my new toy hauler as detailed in an earlier thread. I don't want to get there and find out it's not working.
When I manually squeeze the brake levers I do get a 'no trailer detected' pop up on the dash. Does that mean it's working? Can anyone else manually activate their brake controller without a trailer and see if that pops up on theirs as well?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2020 with "Class IV Hitch" only
I just bought a 2020 with "Class IV Hitch" only. Purchased and installed an OEM brake controller and enabled it with Forscan. Went flawlessly. I think with this option the truck already had the basic tow module installed. The fuse and wiring was there and everything. All told, about $200, including the Bluetooth scanner and license.
When I connected a 7 pin led tester, the lights would work, but the brake line wasmpulsing faintly. I'm guessing it was looking for a load to indicate a trailer is attached. After hooking up, trailer brakes worked, based on reaction to braking.
When I connected a 7 pin led tester, the lights would work, but the brake line wasmpulsing faintly. I'm guessing it was looking for a load to indicate a trailer is attached. After hooking up, trailer brakes worked, based on reaction to braking.
Last edited by StephanEngr; Dec 12, 2020 at 11:37 AM.
5 Year Member
Joined: May 2018
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From: Southeast PA
Do not make the assumption the brakes are working when you pick it up. Be sure to test them before accepting the trailer. Your, like mine was, brakes may not be adjusted from the factory. Then there are the delivery services that sets the brake controller to max that he can use the trailer brakes for stopping, saving the tow vehicle brakes.
5 Year Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,574
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From: Chico, Ca.
The "Trailer Wiring Fault" message indicates a short to ground somewhere in the line between the controller and the trailer brakes. Usually it's a shorted brake magnet. If that message appears again, start pulling wheels and drums.