Ford Brake controller problems

[bacardiron]

Hi everyone. We just recently purchased our 07 MS 33TK3 and a used 2008 F450 with a 20,000lb Reese hitch to pull it with. The truck seems to handle it ok but I'm having trouble with the brake controller. It has the factory controller installed with the upfitter package. When I hook it all up and do a trailer brake tug test the trailer brakes work fine. Then down the road a ways the truck command center says " trailer disconnected", with an audible warning beep. I use the brakes and they seem fine,( even when I use the manual control).The warning cancels when I use the brakes and then comes back on again a few minutes later. Although the trailer brakes seem to be working the warning beeps and flashing warnings are annoying and distracting. Any ideas, my ford dealer doesn't know. [/b]

[billr]

If you have Hyd discs, then it may be the Elec/Hyd actuator in the trailer is not compatible with the version of your Ford in dash. Search here for posts on that subject. Lots of info. May need to modify the actuator or replace.

Should not be an issue for elec brakes.

[netjam]

In 07 I jumped through hoops trying to get my 07 Elite Suite to work with my 08 F-450. I finally cut out the factory brake controller and went with Tecshonka (SP?) p-3 and it was perfect. If you have a carlisle actuator in the trailer you can male it work with an HBA-cam (carlisle part) but if you have an Actibrake actuator it will not work with the HBA-cam. Good luck.........

[hitchup]

We ordered our MS with Dexter brakes and actuator because it was a known problem with Suites and Kodiak brakes. But the 2008 F450 still gave us that message after a few weeks of pulling the 2009 MS. It was traced to the aftermarket plug installed in the bed not being soldered.

No problems with the 2010 F450.

[wingnut60]

Have you used the 'reset' button on the dash controls? This will erase the message, maybe for the rest of the trip.
If it comes back after the use of the reset, then as hitchup say, it may be in a plug.
Have had similar problems with mine, went thru entire rear wiring system and found some moisture in the underframe plug connector/harness. Might check that.
Joe

[bacardiron]

thanks everyone for replying to my thread, I am wondering though how do I know what system I have for the actuator on the brakes. And is it safe to pull it with the current situation for short trips? I would like to add a second controller to work in conjunction with the stock one to fix the problem. I'm having a problem in the Vancouver bc area finding someone that knows how to fix this problem.

[wingnut60]

Vancouver area is not the only place you would have a problem with finding a fix--Ford usually says "its the trailer"; RV shops usually say "its the truck" Hard problem to chase down. Also, doubt that the Ford controller would allow a second one in the circuit.
Again, do you have disc brakes?
Joe

[bacardiron]

Joe, I just looked and they are disc brakes. I think I was told that they are a hydrolic over disc system. I could be mistaken, have been before.

[wackum]

When my 07 suites acted like that I took some dielectric grease and cleaned the plug from the trailer, that cleared it up. But my truck was an 06 F350.

[billr]

You can see under the trailer the discs, or through the wheel holes. If disc, you can then look at what model brake actuator you have. Its located inside the belly storage drivers side behind the sliding door at the rear. It will be near the area where the door slides on the bottom. It will be a metal rectangular box of sort, like a yank with a cap and some wires and small brake lines to it. You can look at the label and then contact the manufacture of the unit and they will help you. Like mentioned you may need an adapter part to make it compatible or maybe a new actuator. They will be familiar as many folks had the same issue.

Once you sort through the fix, then any RV tech can change it for you and bleed the brakes if you are not comfortable with it.

As mentioned also, if you go to Ford or RV repair with out sorting it out yourself first you will be torn in circles. They don't see it enough to be familiar with this issue.

DRV is also aware of this issue with the 07 actuators.

Bill