Trailer Brake System Fault

[Oly_Bronco]

I sorted out that my error message comes up anytime the lights on a trailer would come on - brakes, turn signals, flashers. Although there is no trailer attached I still get the error message. Maybe it's my ground wire? Anyone know where the ground is connected? I'm still searching for the wiring diagram.

I have only got the message 3-4 times and always with no trailer. I get the clicking without the message much more frequently but very intermittent. Mine will be back at the dealer on Friday.

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[pat8839]

Interesting that we get the same error on the screen but different symptoms! I realized that I only get the error when braking or turning on my right turn signal...I pulled apart the 7 pin plug in the back and hosed it down with anti-corrosion spray but the error is still there.

Did you unplug your controller to see if that changed your symptoms?

 

[RoverDude]

Interesting that we get the same error on the screen but different symptoms! I realized that I only get the error when braking or turning on my right turn signal...I pulled apart the 7 pin plug in the back and hosed it down with anti-corrosion spray but the error is still there.

Did you unplug your controller to see if that changed your symptoms?

That would be a good indicate you have a short (intermittent?) on right turn (green wire).
It goes from the tow module connector (C4397C) ->
to a connector front driver wheel well (C201) (make no logical sense to me why runs back up to the front, but it does) ->
then runs outside under vehicle to 7-pin connector.

I would look there as it is most likely the cause as it most exposed to damage there.
Basically a damaged wire issue (I am guessing with high confidence)

 

[pat8839]

That would be a good indicate you have a short (intermittent?) on right turn (green wire).
It goes from the tow module connector (C4397C) ->
to a connector front driver wheel well (C201) (make no logical sense to me why runs back up to the front, but it does) ->
then runs outside under vehicle to 7-pin connector.

I would look there as it is most likely the cause as it most exposed to damage there.
Basically a damaged wire issue (I am guessing with high confidence)

Thank you for this! I'll have to go check now!

 

[Oly_Bronco]

That would be a good indicate you have a short (intermittent?) on right turn (green wire).
It goes from the tow module connector (C4397C) ->
to a connector front driver wheel well (C201) (make no logical sense to me why runs back up to the front, but it does) ->
then runs outside under vehicle to 7-pin connector.

I would look there as it is most likely the cause as it most exposed to damage there.
Basically a damaged wire issue (I am guessing with high confidence)

is there a relay in the trailer tow module? when I hear the clicking it sounds like it is coming from drivers rear.

 

[RoverDude]

is there a relay in the trailer tow module? when I hear the clicking it sounds like it is coming from drivers rear.

Yes, post #2 I reply to you, saying that there's a relay in that module.
That relay is for the battery charger/ auxiliary power to your trailer.
I.e. the orange wire

 

[Oly_Bronco]

Yes, post #2 I reply to you, saying that there's a relay in that module.
That relay is for the battery charger/ auxiliary power to your trailer.
I.e. the orange wire

I wanted to be sure I had read what you said previously correctly, because I see there is another relay in battery junction box based on the diagram.

 

[pat8839]

Update as of 2/22/25
My Bronco is at the dealer and they're installing a new brake controller. I guess they found that was the cause of my errors. Guess I'll find out later this week when they get it done.

 

[Oly_Bronco]

Update as of 2/22/25
My Bronco is at the dealer and they're installing a new brake controller. I guess they found that was the cause of my errors. Guess I'll find out later this week when they get it done.

It was the brake controller not the tow module?

 

[pat8839]

He called it a trailer brake module. I didn't ask any questions beyond that... But you bring up a good point!

 

[Oly_Bronco]

So my Bronco is still at the dealer. They indicated they can’t determine what is causing the clicking. They are indicating they have some body issues pinching the latch and it appears to be a factory defect. Hopefully I hear good news on Monday.

 

[pat8839]

So my Bronco is still at the dealer. They indicated they can’t determine what is causing the clicking. They are indicating they have some body issues pinching the latch and it appears to be a factory defect. Hopefully I hear good news on Monday.

Wow that sounds really bizarre! Keep us posted!

 

[Oly_Bronco]

Extremely frustrated because once again the dealership does not seem to be addressing my issue. I have told them from the beginning about the clicking and that it sounds like a relay. Asked my service advisor again to make sure that the technician has checked all connections related to the trailer wiring and that when talking with Ford support that they are advising that there is clicking like a relay coming from the tow module. Because the issue is intermittent not sure how to tell them to test the wiring and the tow module to confirm if the issue is with one of them.

 

[Oly_Bronco]

I am curious if anybody knows the difference between the error Trailer Brake Module Fault and Trailer Brake System Fault. I got my Bronco back yesterday and they were focused on the tow module and the wiring related to the trailer wiring but I saw in another post that the person was getting both the module fault and the system fault. The dealer tested the 7 pin and everything worked.

 

[BabyJake]

Anyone get an update on this?

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