Trailer brake not working

[tmdaley]

I have the dual blade connector on my Escape Trailer. Although I did test that every connection worked (except the brake control) and I have manipulated the dual blades to improve contact. I suspect both hardware and software contribute to the intermittent failure, but I'm also curious if anyone has fixed it with a new connector.

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[fluffernutter]

Don’t have any issues with my Grand Cherokee and an aftermarket tekonsa p3 brake controller.

But wouldn’t hurt to quickly swap the plug to dual blade. Then if you still have issues, for 8 bucks and 10 minutes to wire a new plug you will know if it is hardware or software related.

I did pick up a new single blade plug for my rockwood mini lite, just waiting on my new truck

 

[tmdaley]

Fluffer... you are right it wouldn't hurt, but my dual blade connector is molded to its cable which runs to a patch box mounted on the trailer frame. I am reluctant to change the cable (neatly run with many ties), but I made a test cable with connectors and a patch box in the middle to isolate the problem next time it happens.
Also, when it failed I plugged/unplugged many times and it stayed failed. When brakes are working I can plug/unplug many times and it stays working. This implies something else, though connections are always the first thing.....

 

[fluffernutter]

Lots of luck, hope to report when I get a chance to test mine out. Seems crazy that they can sell this and have folks brakes just randomly give out. Makes me just wanna go aftermarket if that at least works 100% of the time

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I also have this trailer brake problem, and just found this thread. I have a 2021 HEV F150 and pull a ~3500 lbs Escape trailer. I have had two occurrences of the brakes not working, one started working while towing and the other started after a fuel stop (and shutdown/restart).

Hello, Tom!
Send us a private message with your VIN and the name and location of your local Ford dealer.
I’d be happy to see what I can do to assist with this trailer brake concern. Thanks!

 

[tderouchie]

Hello, Tom!
Send us a private message with your VIN and the name and location of your local Ford dealer.
I’d be happy to see what I can do to assist with this trailer brake concern. Thanks!

Crazy to think that there hasn’t been a fix for this yet. The OTA update (SSM) is apparently not intended to fix any drivability issues?

 

[tmdaley]

I have replied to the Ford account and will let this thread know what happens.

 

[JEB]

First trip towing my Airstream since updating the software on my TRM about two weeks ago, along with about 15 other modules over the course of the last eight weeks. Preliminary (very preliminary) results are good. No failures to connect. No disconnects. Had good weather, bad weather and used different connection methodologies to stress test. Modules all looked like they were loading cleanly without laboring. I used no grease, cut off no plugs, bent no contacts on the male or female side of the 7-way.

Unfortunately, one relatively short round trip does not prove it’s fixed. But at least there were no failures. I observed nothing that would support the theory that my previous unreliable trailer brake performance was due to something other than buggy software. But, it is still too soon to draw any final conclusions.

 

[NVanRVer]

JEB, is there a name or code for this software update? I'd like to quote that to my dealer to get it installed. I have had it in a couple times so it's been documented. Even had them do a full on diagnostic with Ford engineering

 

[imnuts]

If they plug into your truck and check for software updates, it is the only update available for the TRM. I don't know what @JEB has for the part and software numbers, but here are mine for reference. I don't have a trailer to test any of this on though, I've just been following the thread in case I do have to tow at some point.

ECU	Description	Engineering Assembly P/N	Software P/N
TRM	Trailer Module	ML3T-19J294-BA	ML3T-19J297-BA

 

[JEB]

If they plug into your truck and check for software updates, it is the only update available for the TRM. I don't know what @JEB has for the part and software numbers, but here are mine for reference. I don't have a trailer to test any of this on though, I've just been following the thread in case I do have to tow at some point.

ECU	Description	Engineering Assembly P/N	Software P/N
TRM	Trailer Module	ML3T-19J294-BA	ML3T-19J297-BA

This strategy (software) number is correct for the most recent reflash of the TRM. If your dealer logs into IDS or FDRS to perform the update, however, the update won‘t show up in this form. As @imnuts indicated, the programs will just advise the tech that there is new software available. But make sure you bring the TSB discussing the update mentioned above and tell the dealer you have the problem or condition described in the TSB and want an update. A dealer will not update software just because it is out of date. They cannot get warranty reimbursement unless they can tie a specific update to a specific customer complaint. The update has to be a “fix.”

I wouldn’t necessarily put too much stock in this one update magically fixing all the disconnect problems, however. First, the TSB discussing this specific TRM update doesn’t say the new software even addresses this problem. Second, so many modules on these trucks are out of date (I counted at least 15 of 35 needing one or more updates) I still believe that the cumulative effects of buggy or out of date software trying to load simultaneously are causing interaction problems, including causing some modules not to load cleanly. But getting the TRM updated certainly won’t hurt.

 

[NVanRVer]

Thanks guys. My dealer service guy is saying that the update is available OTA. So I've confirmed my truck is connected to my WiFi and setup for automatic updates. Is there a way from the menus to confirm that this update has been applied?

 

[imnuts]

I don't think the TRM is part of the OTA updates that have been pushed out. I think it's a dealer/FDRS install only at the moment.

 

[JEB]

Thanks guys. My dealer service guy is saying that the update is available OTA. So I've confirmed my truck is connected to my WiFi and setup for automatic updates. Is there a way from the menus to confirm that this update has been applied?

Your dealer is an idiot. Tell him to actually read SSM 50226–assuming he can read—which says ”Let the customer know that they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment for repair in March 2022.” I’m getting sick of these knuckledraggers.

 

[tmdaley]

My update: I recently took my trailer on a short trip and had no problem with brake controller so it remains intermittent (2 'no trailer brake' problems in last 7 tows). I am still waiting for a Ford "customer experience specialist" to contact me after being given a case number.

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