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Factory brake controller issues.

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by bj46-taco-tundra, May 14, 2016.

  1. May 21, 2019 at 9:51 AM
    #181
    GreatBigAbyss

    GreatBigAbyss New Member

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    SO, the first few times I took my trailer out this spring just for short trips, I was suffering from 'fake disconnects' from the brake controller, resulting in a loss of trailer brakes, and the annoying beep. It would randomly disconnect and reconnect multiple times per trip.

    I mentioned this to my dealer when the truck was in for its 8000km service last week, and mentioned that in the US there was a TSB that was applied. Well, the dealer found a Canadian version of a TSB and flashed my Tundra's ECU with it. (US/Canadian TSB's apparently can't be applied to trucks from each country...a TSB for a Canadian truck has to be from Toyota Canada).

    And, that seems to have fixed it. We pulled our trailer out for some May Long Weekend camping, and the IBC performed flawlessly. Zero disconnects/reconnects.
     
    JaxSmith and NewImprovedRon like this.
  2. May 21, 2019 at 10:18 AM
    #182
    Gilk10180

    Gilk10180 New Member

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    So you can have the ability to lock up the trailer wheels using the factory brake controller? What year is the truck?
     
  3. May 21, 2019 at 10:24 AM
    #183
    GreatBigAbyss

    GreatBigAbyss New Member

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    2018 Tundra. And no, I can't lock up the trailer wheels. But I wasn't able to lock them up even with my last vehicle which had a Prodigy brake controller. I just don't think the trailer brakes are all that powerful on my trailer. But, they're good enough. I can definitely feel them working when I pull the manual brake button on the IBC.

    It was more the constant disconnecting/reconnecting that was bugging me the most. That's fixed now, so as far as I'm concerned, it's good. I don't care if I can't lock up the trailer brakes. There is zero real world situation where that would be a good thing. The important thing is that the brakes work, and they do something, to at least supplement the truck's service brakes.
     
  4. May 21, 2019 at 11:02 AM
    #184
    Gilk10180

    Gilk10180 New Member

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    Thanks! Just trying to compile information for my dealer. I also have a 2018 tundra and have issues with the ifb controller when towing.
     
  5. May 27, 2019 at 7:13 AM
    #185
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    How did you fix this, I am having the same issue? I took my 2018 in and they said they updated the software and I am still having the same problem just hooked it up yesterday towed it 3 miles and it disconnected at least 8 times. Planning a trip next weekend and after towing it now, that’s off. I purchased this new 30 ft trailer a month ago towed it 150 miles home and it disconnected at least 50 times. I will be calling the dealer again tomorrow. The constant disconnect and beeping is very frustrating. Toyota needs this fixed now and should never have been a issue on something this simple.
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2019
  6. May 27, 2019 at 8:17 AM
    #186
    TacoWuzzaTurd

    TacoWuzzaTurd Loving my Tundra

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    6112s @1.9", TRD Dual Exhaust, rims, tires, jl audio system
    I told the service writer that my truck was exhibiting these symptoms on multiple trailers. They said they'd need me to bring the trailer and truck in. I told them "really you want me to hook up a 6,000lb trailer and bring it all the way down here to prove the issue exists?" I showed them a video I took of the problem happening. Then they relented and agreed to replace the Brake Controller relay/ecu without actually bringing the trailer in. I guess I persuaded them.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  7. May 27, 2019 at 8:24 AM
    #187
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    Great Idea, wish I would have done that, I will be at the dealer tomorrow so I guess I will see what they say.
     
  8. May 27, 2019 at 9:35 AM
    #188
    ktmhauler

    ktmhauler New Member

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    Hmm, so is the issue generally fixed at this point? I just got a 2019 but haven't tried the controller yet. I would guess whatever software update they did for the 2018 would have already been applied. Is it difficult to bypass the factory controller and use an aftermarket? I was using one made by Prime in my 4runner via a plug near the brake pedal.
     
  9. May 27, 2019 at 12:23 PM
    #189
    GreatBigAbyss

    GreatBigAbyss New Member

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    So, for me it was a simple ECU flash. If you want to know, it was TSB 5208. BUT, that's a Canadian TSB. It will be a different number. It fixed the disconnection issue completely.
     
  10. May 28, 2019 at 11:34 AM
    #190
    SocaliTundra958

    SocaliTundra958 New Member

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    So is this happening to all 2018-2019 tundras with the tow package? I’m curious because I will be renting out some jet skis for the summer and I haven’t towed anything to use the trailer brake system and I’m worried that this might happen to me on the day I try to drive off with the jet ski rentals?
     
  11. May 28, 2019 at 11:36 AM
    #191
    GreatBigAbyss

    GreatBigAbyss New Member

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    Often, boat trailers won't have electric brakes. They'll have hydraulic surge brakes, as electric brakes don't do well when submerged during launch and recovery.

    I should add, a brake controller doesn't typically control hydraulic surge brakes, in which case you shouldn't have an issue.
     
    SocaliTundra958 likes this.
  12. May 28, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #192
    SocaliTundra958

    SocaliTundra958 New Member

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    Ahh thanks for the heads up, so technically it’s only affecting trailers that have electric brakes like an RV? But trailers that hold water toys use hydraulic surge brakes, so it shouldnt show me a disconnection?
     
  13. May 28, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #193
    GreatBigAbyss

    GreatBigAbyss New Member

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    If it's just a small two-jetski trailer, then it probably doesn't even have brakes to begin with.
     
  14. May 28, 2019 at 12:02 PM
    #194
    TacoWuzzaTurd

    TacoWuzzaTurd Loving my Tundra

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    I dont get the impression it is affecting them all but maybe just certain VINs that were equipped with a bad run of Brake Controller Relays. However I could be wrong.
     
  15. May 28, 2019 at 4:38 PM
    #195
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    I do not believe that this effects every truck, but then again you won’t find it out until you tow something. I’m really surprised there has not been any serious accidents caused by this. It is a very real problem effecting a large number of trucks.
     
    TacoWuzzaTurd likes this.
  16. May 28, 2019 at 6:50 PM
    #196
    Mediumrarepls

    Mediumrarepls New Member

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    Knock on wood.... i took my travel trailer on a 400mile road trip through the mountains and all went great. I'm hoping it stays that way. I thought about purchasing a wireless brake controller as a backup. Hopefully Toyota finds a permanent fix for everyone.
     
    lewisdirk4x4 and TacoWuzzaTurd like this.
  17. May 29, 2019 at 9:30 PM
    #197
    yoshi82

    yoshi82 New Member

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    Knock on Wood on also, im buying a travel trailer. Winnebago dry weight 3760 and GVWR 7000. So im confused do i need to get the P3 or only if im traveling in the mountains? im in Texas and for this year we just going to travel here local. New to doing the Travel Trailer, reading all this blog gots me thinking do i need it or not?
     
  18. May 30, 2019 at 12:32 PM
    #198
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    If your truck has a factory brake controller you should be good just hope it works right, if not you will need to install a brake controller for the electric brakes on your trailer. Any trailer that size and weight should have electric brakes on it.
     
  19. May 30, 2019 at 2:23 PM
    #199
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    Just got a call from the dealer after having my truck 2 days - yesterday the computer was down they said. Now they are ordering a new brake wiring harness says Toyota is having problems with it getting water corrosion, I really don’t think that is the problem but I guess time will tell. It won’t be in for at least a week!!! Going to pick up my truck now
     
    lewisdirk4x4 and TacoWuzzaTurd like this.
  20. Jun 16, 2019 at 8:25 AM
    #200
    10sec89

    10sec89 New Member

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    [​IMG] Just picked up my 2019 Tundra 2 weeks ago. The brake controller is horrible. Set it for 5K+ and can barely feel anything with gain set on 10.
    Looking to ditch it for the prodigy. Does anyone happen to know what direct plug in harness I will need for a Prodigy 3 to 2019 Tundra?
     
  21. Jun 16, 2019 at 8:28 AM
    #201
    HTGreen

    HTGreen New Member

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    No direct plug in available for 2018 and 2019, Toyota switched to a different system. Get the dealer to fix it as others have.
     
  22. Jun 16, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #202
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    Update, Took my truck in to the dealer they had got the wiring harness they ordered. I received a call telling me the wiring harness was not bad which I had told them from the start!! Now they want me to tow my trailer in so they can see what it is doing. I have wasted 4 days now and I am not taking it back . I will replace the controller myself and save lots of aggravation of dealing with this. I really like my truck but am very bothered by the way it is handled. Seems like it won’t be solved until someone’s hurt or killed.
     
    Gilk10180 likes this.
  23. Jun 21, 2019 at 12:00 PM
    #203
    Gilk10180

    Gilk10180 New Member

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    Id like to know how you are going to replace the FBC with a new one. My dealer will cover the cost, but the installer wants the dealer to remove the entire harness/brake control system so they can wire a completely new one in place. The installer didnt like the idea of hard wiring the p3 into the factory system.
     
  24. Jun 22, 2019 at 6:50 AM
    #204
    ken7571

    ken7571 New Member

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    I was told some of the harness is part of the main harness, so I will just run new wiring from the brake controller that I need. Removing the entire harness I believe is not needed since running lights and blinkers have nothing to do with it. I have better things to do than spend my time at the dealer being told they need me to bring in my trailer to check it out when the issue is posted all over the internet. I believe Toyota is well aware of the problem but does not want to address it because it will cost them.
     
    Gilk10180 likes this.
  25. Jul 13, 2019 at 6:48 AM
    #205
    Mks99

    Mks99 New Member

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    2019 Platinum here. Just had the TSB done. Did not have the disconnect issue before but I figured what the heck.

    Before and now after I cannot lock up the brakes on my small TT. Tried both combinations of 5000, 5000+ and gain 0 or 10. The P3 on my other TV would lock them up at about a 5-6 setting. I do get a strong tug from the camper so I know its working.

    I've probably got 3000 miles or so on this camper. Never had adjusted the brakes. Maybe I need to do that but it seems odd that the P3 would be so much more effective.
     
    Gilk10180 likes this.
  26. Aug 4, 2019 at 2:52 PM
    #206
    bomber

    bomber New Member

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    Thank you for posting this. I feel my factory trailer brakes are inadequate and will take it back to the dealership. Ps I have a 2017.
     
  27. Nov 20, 2019 at 10:13 AM
    #207
    Seq2019

    Seq2019 New Member

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    New member here who just purchased a 2019 Sequoia Limited 4WD that did not come with the factory brake controller. My dash configuration seems similar to the Tundra in terms of an open space for the factory controller.

    I will be towing an Airstream that should weigh 3500 - 4000 pounds (it still is under renovation, so I am not sure of the weight), and I need a brake controller for the electric brakes on the Airstream.

    Does anyone know if the factory brake controller for the Tundra is the same as for the Sequoia?

    Does anyone know if the dash configuration for the factory brake controller of the Tundra is the same as for the Sequoia?

    This post shows a possible installation of the Tekonsha P3 that might work for me if I do not install the factory controller.

    I like the idea of the factory controller integrated display, but not if the factory controller does not work as it should.

    Any Sequoia experience or advice?

    Thanks.
     
  28. Nov 20, 2019 at 10:50 AM
    #208
    sbxx312

    sbxx312 New Member

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    Get the P3. Don't mess with the factory controller. I tow an Airstream as well and have the P2 in a Tacoma (old TV) and the integrated brake controller in the Tundra. A lot of issues with the integrated brake controller in the Tundra, as you can see in this thread.
     
  29. Jun 25, 2020 at 5:36 PM
    #209
    TundraPro406

    TundraPro406 New Member

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    Bringing an old post back alive in the case it might help others. I have a '17 Pro with OEM trailer brake controller(TBC). Initially the brake controller work semi ok, but more so on the electric over hydraulic, in which my 18ft travel trailer (GVWR 3500lbs) does not have these type of brakes. Went in and got the TSB update at Toyota in Missoula, MT and the TBC actually got worst, meaning no more adequate braking on either brake Type. Will today had Toyota in Kalispell, MT, where I initially bought the truck, replaced the TBC ecu and now it is working like it should. Although, not as good as my brother's 2012(Rock Warriors)with aftermarket TBC and buddy's 2018(SR5) OEM TBC. The 2018 at Electric brake with less then 5k lbs setting was around 6-6.5 and mine was set at 8-8.5. My Pro is around 85k miles and have extended warranty so it was fully covered. Attached is the invoice if you're interested. If folks have issues with their TBC and only the standard warranty I would highly suggest replacing the ecu and TSB update sooner cuz parts and labor was $445! Be safe and happy towing!20200625_163016.jpg
     
    TTund16 likes this.
  30. Jun 26, 2020 at 6:29 AM
    #210
    lewisdirk4x4

    lewisdirk4x4 New Member

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    2018 brake control reported no trailer in May on a trip Toyota replaced the connector s still no trailer .I see through the thread that it is an ongoing problem with the controller. I plan to replace my trailer plug today. see if it resolves it. The filled said its a short in the trailer --which I have look and not found>??
     

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