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Factory trailer brake controller

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by derekmills02, Jun 28, 2018.

  1. Jun 28, 2018 at 8:58 AM
    #1
    derekmills02

    derekmills02 [OP] New Member

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    Has anybody had trouble with the factory trailer brake controller? All the lights work but it flashes trailer disconnected, then the warning goes away but brakes don't work.
     
  2. Jun 28, 2018 at 9:05 AM
    #2
    TRDProLife

    TRDProLife LETS GO BLUES

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    Window Tint, ICI Magnum Steps, firestone spring helpers for towing, 295/70R18 Atturo Trsil blade X/T's
    Sounds like you probably have some problems with the trailer (wiring) not the truck.
     
  3. Jun 28, 2018 at 9:06 AM
    #3
    TRDProLife

    TRDProLife LETS GO BLUES

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    If you can try a known good trailer maybe rent a uhaul trailer
     
  4. Jun 28, 2018 at 4:19 PM
    #4
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Charles
    Conroe TX
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    See build link
    I've never noticed mine detecting a trailer...
     
  5. Jul 2, 2018 at 7:29 AM
    #5
    urbanj5

    urbanj5 New Member

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    My 2018 Tundra has similar issues. Brake/turn signal lights work. Flashes trailer disconnected but when stopped and brakes fully applied the green trailer icon is displayed along with the brake gain setting. Upon accelerating the disconnection warning appears again and nothing displayed on LCD screen until fully stopped again. Toyota dealer say everything okay with truck. RV dealer (2018 Rockwood Roo) checked trailer and it also checked okay. I am considering an after market fix but hear there is a possible software fix. Anyone have experience with this?
     
    JJGarcia8 likes this.
  6. Jul 2, 2018 at 9:09 AM
    #6
    nishibot

    nishibot Just2havnfun

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    I had same issue. Does it display disconnected when first plugged in or only after driving for a bit? If yes then its the trailer. My trailer ended up having a bad wheel sensor only happened when warm.
    Also do a search on this forum there is a lot of info on this exact problem
     
  7. Jul 2, 2018 at 10:30 AM
    #7
    urbanj5

    urbanj5 New Member

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    Displays right from the get go.
     
  8. Jul 4, 2018 at 1:19 PM
    #8
    DvH297

    DvH297 New Member

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    My 2018 TRD 4x4 same. Mostly the 'trailer disconnected' warning is on any time i try to use the brake (lever). I've had the system work for a few seconds, but then right back to 'disconnected'.
    Still searching for a resolution. I bought the truck to tow and I want to take advantage of all the neat dash controls.
     
  9. Jul 4, 2018 at 3:01 PM
    #9
    urbanj5

    urbanj5 New Member

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    I have researched on several forums and this seems to be a common problem with Tundras as well as other truck brands. The RV tech also corroborated this. Going to have an after market system installed as I don’t want to spend my camping season screwing around with this. A few friends that have trucks without this feature tell me the after market systems are superior. Too bad one of the reasons we liked this truck was because of the IBS. Love it in every other aspect though.
     
  10. Jul 10, 2018 at 8:55 AM
    #10
    JOEYIVI

    JOEYIVI New Member

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    I am a service manager at a Toyota dealership and we just pulled our hair out with one of these. We replaced the brake controller the rear plug, but it ended up being the trailer brake ecu. I hope this helps someone else that is having the same problem. The ecu is located behind the glove box. You have to do a little disassembly to get to it.
     
    757TUNDRA likes this.
  11. Jul 13, 2018 at 10:08 AM
    #11
    KeithD

    KeithD New Member

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    Hi JOEYIVI, appreciate any help on this... same issue, my truck is at the dealer and they are telling me the 2018 does not have a trailer brake ecu? You wouldn't happen to know the part number of the 2018 trailer brake ecu? Id like to pass it on to the dealer so they can get the correct fix. Thanks in Advance!
     
  12. Jul 13, 2018 at 10:40 AM
    #12
    AmateurWheels

    AmateurWheels New Member

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    Experiencing the same issue on my 2018 TRD Sport Crewmax 4x4 5.7 Flex. With a single axle trailer that has brakes. I've yet to try it with my other trailer that is dual axle brake. Works perfect on my '16 4Runner with a Prodigy P3 controller. I've captured video of it occurring and sent it to my local dealer last night, waiting to hear back from them. I will update the forum when I find out more. For those that are experiencing the issue, does your trailer have single axle brake or ? It may be helpful to gather more information here to see if it is only common to a particular trailer configuration.

    Further reading reveals other mfgs having a similar issue with integrated controllers. One F150 forum member I found added a load resistor to his trailer wiring to resolve the issue. Other reading was pointing to brakes being wired in serial vs parallel or vice versa. Perhaps some other Googling ideas that might help us solve the mystery together.
     
  13. Jul 13, 2018 at 10:47 AM
    #13
    JOEYIVI

    JOEYIVI New Member

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    The part number we replaced was 89547-0C020
     
  14. Jul 13, 2018 at 10:48 AM
    #14
    KeithD

    KeithD New Member

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    Thank You !!!
     
  15. Jul 25, 2018 at 11:34 AM
    #15
    urbanj5

    urbanj5 New Member

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    I went to another RV dealer to have the trailer checked out again (the place I bought it spent about 10 minutes and said all was okay-after waiting 3 weeks for appointment). They thoroughly checked the entire electrical system and said it is definitely the truck. We were just going to have an after market system installed but on their recommendation we decided to go back to Toyota. Personally went to the Toyota dealer and they promise to fix the problem. Going next week. We will see. I will post our progress.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  16. Aug 3, 2018 at 6:44 AM
    #16
    AmateurWheels

    AmateurWheels New Member

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    Urbanj5, any update?
     
  17. Aug 6, 2018 at 11:41 AM
    #17
    urbanj5

    urbanj5 New Member

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    Yes. Took in Tundra and trailer in for dealer to be able to see exact problem when hitched up. I also gave them the posted information from JOEYIVI (Toyota service manager) regarding their challenges and fix to replace the trailer brake ECU (#89547-0C020). Dealer reported they spent much time testing truck ultimately did replace the above referenced part. I asked if after replacement if they drove the trailer and they said yes and it was fine. Picked it up and got about a half mile away and same disconnect warning appeared. Returned it immediately. The next day they said they drove trailer with no less that 6 2018 Tundras and it did the same thing. They said after talking to several corporate technical experts that my 2018 Rockwood Roo must be incompatible with the Tundra wiring. This is a small trailer with uncomplicated wiring. When I took camper to be serviced last week they did replace the connecting wire from the trailer to truck. I question the incompatable issue but they did offer to install an after market system no charge. We are so sick of dealing with this that we agreed. All is well now but what a hassle and $$$ spent trying to diagnose.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  18. Aug 6, 2018 at 12:00 PM
    #18
    AmateurWheels

    AmateurWheels New Member

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