Trailer brake controller error HELP

Dealer blamed it on the p.c. ..unplugged it and possibly reset the computer or something and been fine now for a few weeks..

 

No, my truck is pretty much all stock with no modifications other than deleting the chrome off the truck.

 

Well that's not good..im sure they would have to reset something...maybe clean the sensors?

 

Found out the issue for my Truck. According to the dealership, the dealership that did the recall for the fuel pump. They did not do the install correctly and something popped out. My truck wasn't getting enough fuel. Which didn't explain the PCS error or the Brake controller error to me. I asked about that and they said its normal, my truck was crying out for help and it set off the error codes. Which I guess makes sense???? So my only issue is, they said Toyota wont cover the repair. It wasn't a part issue, it was a installation issue. So the dealership has to notate all the problems and contact the dealership that did do the install and they have to pay them to correct the issue. Since the recall part wasn't the problem. It was just a bad install. So Toyota wont pay for any of the repair since they paid for it once for the recall and this isn't covered under warranty for install error.

They said it shouldn't be a issue, but they have had other dealership say they refuse to cover the expense because it wasn't their fault. They said if that happens, I would need to pay for the repair and I would have to go after the dealership to refund me back the money. Which I hope doesn't happen. But I learn more today.

I asked how often does this happen. They said its actually happen more often than you think. They just did one last week for another Tundra that came from the Bay Area and got stuck out in Reno too. Bad install on the fuel pump also.

 

I have had this "trailer brake controller error" issue for a couple years, BUT it's only when the truck is very cold, like 27 degrees or below. When the issue arises for me, I can't shift the truck out of park, and the HVAC display stays dark. Eventually, if I leave the truck running for 5-10 min to warm up, the warning message will go away, the HVAC display comes on and the truck will shift normally. A couple times, when it's been REALLY cold, the truck engine start but then will sputter out before it gets sufficiently warm, and the battery will be dead. I've taken it to the dealer -- they blamed an aftermarket remote starter. I had that starter taken out, and the problem persists.

I have generally managed the issue by keeping the truck garaged (and therefore above the very low temps), but it's really aggravating. I just decided to do some internet searching and found this thread, which I guess I missed last time I looked into this.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this specific temperature-driven issue? Thanks.

(2017 Tundra Platinum CrewMax)

 

Just went through this and turns out my battery was on its way out , got a new battery problem went away

 

My 2016 is doing this at 44k. No trailer attached and it’s only “brake controller error.” I disconnected the negative terminal for 2 min and after reconnecting I no longer have the error message but I also no longer have a trailer page

 

Exact thing happend to me as above. Brake controller error, so I disconnected the battery, but also lost trailer brake control screen. Too much at a dealership to reprogram. I will be installing the tekonasha p3. 2015 tundra 80k miles.

 

Think I’m gonna do the same…

 

Update: my oem brake controller was the problem. I replaced it with a tekonasha p3 for $150 vs oem$$$. Trailer brakes work great now!

 

Thanks for the follow up, will likely be doing the same!

 

Hello all, just joined the Forum but on my 3rd Tundra since 2003, now the 2016 - was continually upgrading for size/power due to growing family, growing trailer size...
I was having multiple problems with the OEM controller - started with having to turn it up to 8-9.0 to get braking action on the trailer, read abt the software update and got that a couple years ago (charged me $50 since out of warranty) but that didn't seem to help at all. Most recent was the "brake controller error see dealership" message that was present when towing or not towing - so went online to search right away and from reading comments and info here, I had a local trailer-shop install a Tekonsha Primus controller (as well as repack my bearings) and trailer brakes work great now - setting is 3.7 with a boost. I also disconnected the negative battery terminal for abt 2 minutes, then reconnected and lost trailer screen - but now that is unneeded with readout on the Primus controller and the annoying message is gone.
Thanks all for info!