Message "Trailer Brake Module Fault" ??

[W9GBB]

Hey guys, question for you regarding the factory integrated trailer brake system. I hooked to a trailer yesterday for the first time since I bought my truck new 2 yrs ago. It was a 2009 18' enclosed tandem axle cargo trailer equipped with brakes, and a standard round connector plug.
All the lights and signal worked fine but, my display on the dash said "trailer brake module fault" all the time, and the braking system did not work. I called the trailer dealer and he had no idea. Once I was done with the trailer and unhooked it, the message stayed on. So now even with the trailer unhooked, the message is there all the time . Owners manual says it could be a truck wiring problem which if so, has been there since day 1. Please let me know if you have run into this before and what you did to resolve it. Thanks in advance for any help and sorry for the long post..

[greasltn]

Check the fuses under the hood. I can't remember which one it is, but if you blow it the message will come on even with no trailer hooked up. You may have blown this fuse when the trailer was hooked up (possible bad wire on braking system on trailer).

[W9GBB]

Thanks for the tip greasltn, I checked the box under the hood ( joy to get to ), and number 5 fuse is a 30 amp for trailer brake controller. Pulled it out and it tests OK, went through the manual showing the fuse box diagrams and checked everything I could find relating to the trailer brakes and all seems OK so far. Key on, engine off the message is there on the dash all the time. Any other thoughts besides a trip to the dealer?..sure dont want to put my DPF back on just for this...Thanks

[greasltn]

Check all 3 connectors on the master cylinder, if one is loose it could also set this message.

[macgyvr]

your plug on the truck is corroded. had the same problem with my f450 shortly after i bought it in april. had the plug replaced, fixed the problem.

this after i replaced all the fuses and such without fixing the problem.

mac 'dang midwest winters' gyvr

[W9GBB]

Thanks macgyvr for the info!, I think you are correct with the plug problem. Talked to my dealer today and there was a TSB issued from Ford about this problem. The plug has been updated to a better design that resists internal failure. Taking it by them tomorrow to have him plug in and see what he thinks and go from there. Will update again after we learn more

[W9GBB]

Took it in, had a code C2800 relating to the brake pressure switch transducer. He did some troubleshooting and said one of the pressure switches is bad on the master cylinder ( bottom center on the master ). They did not have one in stock so it is on order. Will find out next week if it actually fixes the problem.

[macgyvr]

Originally Posted by W9GBB

Took it in, had a code C2800 relating to the brake pressure switch transducer. He did some troubleshooting and said one of the pressure switches is bad on the master cylinder ( bottom center on the master ). They did not have one in stock so it is on order. Will find out next week if it actually fixes the problem.

these trucks have so many switches and lights and blah blah blah...

they make it so you can't even work on it yourself...

mac 'good luck i hope that fixes it' gyvr

[W9GBB]

OK, Took truck back in today to get the sensor replaced on the bottom of the master cylinder. Code and error message are now gone and all is working as it should. Hope this helps someone out with the C2800 code.

[blackcloud2k]

My truck will give the same warning here and there. Mostly it happens in the winter when Ice builds up on the plug and or if Im towing in the rain. All of my trailer functions still work though. Its all due to as you said the corrosion/water getting in the plug in my case.