Trailer Brake Error

Need assistance. My fiancé has a 2019 Toyota Tundra and as I was driving it home these errors came out. We haven't towed anything recently so not sure why this error popped up all of a sudden If anyone could help that would be great, not sure of I should take it into the dealer or if there's an easier solution. Thanks in advance
- CrowsLady52LA

 

Same here. Exact message. Same year truck. Almost same miles. Anybody??

 

Take it to the dealer as it’s still under warranty. The PCS could be weather related - was there heavy rain at the time it popped up? The trailer brake error could be a software issue……worst case would be that maybe the culprit would be rodent damage or something similar.

Have you done any mods to the truck?

 

Take it to the dealer. There was a recall on the pcs where they put some silicone on it and reflashed it. Also check your radar isn’t dirty or it wasn’t raining really hard. You’re under warranty so get it fixed correctly.

 

Thought: I don't think TSB 0036-19 applies as it says error and not "disconnected".

 

I am now about to take my 2016 Platinum in for the THIRD time for the "Brake Controller Error" message. Help!

 

What is the full message? Take a pic please.

When does it happen? While towing, before, car wash?

The community will help but you need to post more info.

 

In a nutshell, I got the error in the first pic of this thread along with flashing 4w hi lo signs, flashing exclamation too along with traction control, and abs light. Would restart every 1/10th of a mile on a restart, and shortly after a surging feeling in the brakes like the abs system. It started after I was towing a non braked trailer, but I pushed the trailer button on my dash. I suspect it was expecting a corresponding braking system on a trailer. The brake performance after the strange surge feeling was normal, and I didn't feel at risk. But I was on the beginning of a 5000 mile drive... Took it into my dealer when I got home after a month, this started on 4/15/2021. They first said it was a dirty electrical connection, but the light came right back on, so back to the dealer it went. They then said it was something to do with some sort of sensor miscommunication. Then it was fine for 200 miles, but came on yesterday afternoon with no trailer while on a long dry trip over the mountains. This morning, no lights on, but I decided to check this issue out here on this forum. So now I disconnected the battery and have taken a 20 minute drive with no issues. I own a 2016 tundra platinum

 

Aha!! Der KoenigsTiger! 88mm of battlefield domination; command of everything surveyed from yonder heights.

Truly the origin of fahrvergnügen.

 

And today I'm going to the dealer for the 3rd time regarding the Brake Controller error lights. When the car starts, sound and feeling from the front end has led me to believe that the ABS system and Traction Control are being turned off. It's raining today and I could lock up the wheels when coming to a stop. I was supposed to haul a trailer today to move furniture... can't now due to risk. This is getting rather frustrating.

If anyone knows about the history of this problem, by all means, please chime in and let me know. Also, what can I do as a consumer should this not get fixed this third time?

 

This sounds more and more like a wheel sensor issue. Ideally they can track down which one and replace it.

As a consumer, you don't have any additional support unless the truck is still under warranty. Sometimes it takes time to fix tricky things and your truck is 5 years old.

 

Dealer just called me. They say the rear differential was grinding inside/failed, and oil and metal shavings covered the rear wheel sensor. They say it's $4,000 to replace.

This is the only dealer I've taken it in. My friends say the rear differential requires servicing. The truck has 100k miles on it, not sure this dealer has done anything with the rear diff for servicing.

I'd taken the rig in for an oil change before my big road trip of 5k miles where this issue first flared up.

 

You could get new gears and an LSD installed for less than that. Then replace the wheel speed sensors yourself.

 

I've asked for the history of my service there(only dealer that has touched the rig), and specifically any history of review of the rear differential. I've asked for the service manager to review and have me come in for an appointment for discussion. My mechanic friends suspect that the rear differential was never serviced.

 

Could be. Have you owned it since new? Have you ever specifically asked for a rear diff oil change? I’m just asking because if you take it in and just ask for service, they probably gave it to the new guy and only said change the oil. Seems people now do the bare minimum to not get fired. Then the 2 Bobs promote them to manager.

Can you get a carfax for it? See if it matches dealer records.

 

It was a dealer vehicle, had 10k miles on it when I bought it. No, I have never specifically asked for a diff service.

 

Let’s separate the issues here. Differential vs sensor.

Yes, shavings in the diff is bad. But have you actually had issues with it? Is the truck suddenly undrivable?

Once the replaced the fluid and cleaned the sensor, did your problem go away?

 

And maybe start a new thread in the 3rd Gen section specifically about the diff issue.

 

They sent me some pictures, I 'll post up later.

This appears to be a dealer that may have been negligient in servicing a vehicle. I've been going there every 4 months for about 5-6 yrs, and followed their advice as instructed. We shall see. I have a few unanswered messages I have sent them. Promise to keep everyone posted on this. I never, ever once, ever declined a service... The entire point of regularly going to a dealer is to keep your vehicle properly serviced and in tune with the suggested maintenance.

 

Does your dealer supply a completed "checklist" with the service record/invoice?
Reason I ask is I had a similar situation with a Ford dealer that I had taken the truck to for every service since new. During an oil change they said I needed new rear brake rotors. And I did. The pads had scored the rotors. I asked why low pad thickness wasn't caught the previous oil change when the technician noted on the "checklist" the rear pads were in the middle of their expected life span.
Same as you, my position was I bring it here for proper preventative service and a brake pad gives plenty of warning, if properly inspected, long before it trashes a rotor. After a brief meeting in the Service Managers office, I paid their "cost" for one rotor and they ate the rest of the parts and labor.