2023 Powerboost-Trailer Brake System Fault

[Lee85]

Gotta love ford. Still pops up. 23 power boost. 16k miles.

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[PCfordguy]

@Lee85

Yep- mine was doing the same thing. It’s been in the shop for a week now. They initially said it was a failed image processing module which was causing a “short in the network”. They replaced the module but now can’t get the software to reload. So there it sits.

 

[PCfordguy]

I have two F150 powerboost vehicles, built within two weeks of each other. Both have less than 2500 miles on odo. Vehicle A is regularly used for towing a light utility trailer using the 4 pin connector for lights (no brakes). This vehicle displayed the "trailer brake system fault" warning after disconnecting the trailer. After a few more towing uses, the warning would appear more frequently. The it got to be really frequent and really annoying. I had to make a 500 mile trip without the trailer, and rather than take the abuse of a constantly dinging warning light, I plugged in one of those 4 way flat circuit testers for the duration of the trip. It worked, but after that, the turn signal indicator lights flashed rapidly even though the taillight bulbs flashed normally. Also, the trailer lights no longer worked. So, off to the dealer it went for a 2 week stay, only to be told a module was on order with no promise delivery date. In the mean time I used Vehicle B for towing. It then also started rapidly displaying the warning (only while not towing).
Long story, short - I popped the hood on both vehicles, opened the power network box, and fully seated all the fuses and both relays in the box. None of them were inserted all the way previously. Problem fixed on both vehicles, at least for two days now. Don't know if it will last. If something changes, I'll post that later.

Any update on this?

 

[Ahuizing]

Well, it's been a little less than a few weeks now and the 2023 F150 Powerboost - vehicle B (wife's vehicle) has not been used for towing since reseating the fuses and the trailer brake system fault warning has not reappeared. Fingers crossed: It seems to be fixed. Vehicle A (I use this one), also a 2023 F150 Powerboost, has been occasionally used for towing and the warning has not appeared for 1900 miles. Just recently, I used it to tow and set overnight with the trailer hooked up while it was raining (heavy rain). After I disconnected the trailer (I let the vehicle run while unhooking it), the warning issue started up once again. It dings a warning tone about 6 times per minute if I don't hit the OK button on the steering wheel. The visual warning can flash very frequently (once a second) every so often, but thankfully it doesn't sound the tone each time it goes crazy. As I write this, it has been about 24 hours without rain and the warning issue, once again, seems to have gone away. The fuses on vehicle A are still fully seated - so it is not an issue of them having vibrated out a little. So - when and if the dealer decides to call and tell me that the replacement module has come in (it has been a few weeks), I think I'll have them replace it. Based on what I'm reading on the web, I'm not too hopeful. I really love this model of F150. It provides a really quiet ride, has outstanding performance, and outstanding brakes. Too bad Ford can't get their act together on all the electronics.

 

[PCfordguy]

Well, it's been a little less than a few weeks now and the 2023 F150 Powerboost - vehicle B (wife's vehicle) has not been used for towing since reseating the fuses and the trailer brake system fault warning has not reappeared. Fingers crossed: It seems to be fixed. Vehicle A (I use this one), also a 2023 F150 Powerboost, has been occasionally used for towing and the warning has not appeared for 1900 miles. Just recently, I used it to tow and set overnight with the trailer hooked up while it was raining (heavy rain). After I disconnected the trailer (I let the vehicle run while unhooking it), the warning issue started up once again. It dings a warning tone about 6 times per minute if I don't hit the OK button on the steering wheel. The visual warning can flash very frequently (once a second) every so often, but thankfully it doesn't sound the tone each time it goes crazy. As I write this, it has been about 24 hours without rain and the warning issue, once again, seems to have gone away. The fuses on vehicle A are still fully seated - so it is not an issue of them having vibrated out a little. So - when and if the dealer decides to call and tell me that the replacement module has come in (it has been a few weeks), I think I'll have them replace it. Based on what I'm reading on the web, I'm not too hopeful. I really love this model of F150. It provides a really quiet ride, has outstanding performance, and outstanding brakes. Too bad Ford can't get their act together on all the electronics.

When I asked them directly about this issue- My local ford service department said there’s an issue with 2023 PB where the wiring underneath the tailgate is not properly insulated from moisture- so when it gets wet, the trailer brake system fault warning pops up. I can’t prove this yet- but I feel this moisture induced short circuit is enough to blow a module- which my truck is in the shop for now.

 

[PaulHaul]

My 2023 power boost suddenly started displaying this after completing a 1000+ mile tow. It had been disconnected for a couple of hours and the error popped up. It causes a message on screen and makes the turn signals run faster.
I tried to fix by disconnecting the main battery for 20 mins but that doesn’t appear to work with power boost versions. In the end I cleared the fault by pulling the fuse (#91) for 20 mins and then replacing it. I’ve started and stopped the car a few times since and it seems to be good. I’ll report back if the problem returns or turns out to be something bigger.

 

[Hans Moleman]

I reseated the fuses and still had the trailer brake fault message pop up.

I complained to the dealer about when I went in for an oil change then they performed TSB 24-2116 which updates the GWM, TRM, and APIM modules. I believe this fixed the problem because it hasn’t came back.

 

[GEM1]

Laying under the truck last week trying to get the spare tire off in the driveway (a topic for another time, but I think I ordered the right part) I noticed the back of the 7 pin connector, and a handful of other non-sealed connectors. If it was me, I would not build it this way!

 

[hawkav8b]

Thank you, WoodBarn Mark! I had the exact problem you described - Trailer Brake Module Fault coupled with blinkers flashing faster than normal. Not sure how you figured out it was the #91 fuse - but once I figured out where it was located, I took it out (did not look blown), reseated it and the problem went away (at least, for now). I was getting ready to tow a camper so your help came at the perfect time! Much appreciated....

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