My buddy’s 2013 2500/6.7

[monovasia]

Has the trailer not connected ding go off every time he hits the brakes ( no trailer connected)...

He has one weak battery, I told him to replace both tomorrow.. as I have seen this condition as a symptom here... besides looking for a frayed wire, anything else I should look for ?

 

[Timd32]

Here is a thread on this.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...howing-trailer-hooked-up.272124/#post-2689714

Not sure that link will start at #1, if not just go to the top as needed.

There is a known issue with the connector and the flat style connectors. There is a TSB about it.

But always better to start small and check the condition of the plug first.

 

[monovasia]

Here is a thread on this.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...howing-trailer-hooked-up.272124/#post-2689714

Not sure that link will start at #1, if not just go to the top as needed.

There is a known issue with the connector and the flat style connectors. There is a TSB about it.

But always better to start small and check the condition of the plug first.

Thanks, perhaps I didn’t detail the issue correctly... not a trailer connection issue at all... the problem is every time he hits the truck brakes, the trailer disconnect warning chime goes off... no trailer on the hitch... his truck wouldn’t start on one of the real cold days up here, was able to jump it and he had a couple of other weird things go on like the back up camera was slow to come up... I figure not matter what , the both batteries need to be swapped out... if that doesn’t fix it, obviously a frayed wire or loose connection... but if that is all good, is there anything else someone has come across for this problem?

 

[Timd32]

Thanks, perhaps I didn’t detail the issue correctly... not a trailer connection issue at all... the problem is every time he hits the truck brakes, the trailer disconnect warning chime goes off... no trailer on the hitch... his truck wouldn’t start on one of the real cold days up here, was able to jump it and he had a couple of other weird things go on like the back up camera was slow to come up... I figure not matter what , the both batteries need to be swapped out... if that doesn’t fix it, obviously a frayed wire or loose connection... but if that is all good, is there anything else someone has come across for this problem?

Nah I probably read it wrong or not at all that way.

I would still check that plug, they can get pretty corroded. Seems like some sort of woring issue you could isolate the fuse going to the trailer plug.

Other then that the brake controller appears to get it's info from the CanBus.

I'm guessing PIN C of the trailer plug might be involved in sensing if a trailer is connected?

Here is some wiring and some other small things, the small control relays appear to be easy to swap with a spare, if you are selective maybe that one Stop Inhibit relay that is common to the trailer and brake lights.

Could also maybe pull the fuses one for left and right turn stop, maybe that would allow for simple diagnosis.

Nothing stands out on this one, maybe someone else has some better experience with this one.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Timd32]

ESP = Electronic Stability Program, I had to search that one out.

Forgot I did find this blurb in general basic info, sometimes this is also in the owners manual.


Theory of Operation

The Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) communicates with the vehicle through the high speed CAN C bus. The ITBM monitors the Brake Pedal Status, Vehicle Speed and ESP status via CAN message. It also outputs the Trailer Status, Gain Setting, and Trailer Brake Output Power to the vehicle. The ITBM connects to the electric trailer brakes through the 7-Way connector and controls the brake force through a Pulse Width Modulating (PWM) duty cycle.

 

[KTM2Smoke]

I recently had a weak battery that produced intermittent electrical issues (throttle valve light and something else that I can't recall right now). Replaced both batteries and everything went back to normal.
I know this doesn't address your friend's issue directly, but I learned after my experience that stable electrical power to the truck's computers helps eliminate time trying to find other electrical problems that may not really exist... Just a thought since you said he had 1 weak battery.

 

[monovasia]

I recently had a weak battery that produced intermittent electrical issues (throttle valve light and something else that I can't recall right now). Replaced both batteries and everything went back to normal.
I know this doesn't address your friend's issue directly, but I learned after my experience that stable electrical power to the truck's computers helps eliminate time trying to find other electrical problems that may not really exist... Just a thought since you said he had 1 weak battery.

UPDATE:

As suspected the new batteries resolved all the "ghosting issues" (back up camera delayed, random warnings etc)... but the trailer brake dinging was still there.... Soooooo we sprayed the living daylights out of both the bumper connector and the bed connector with WD 40, blew it out with an air line and VOILA! the problem disappeared last evening and on the way to work this am...so after work tonight we are going to recheck all housings, reseat all the connector pins...and check for frays, but I suspect one pin has some light corrosion...

THANK YOU as always for the ideas, directions and support...

 

[Cummins12V98]

Batteries strike again!!!