Trailer batter not charging error, searched everything I could find. Help

[syberspace]

I’ve read just about every thread online here and other places. This site seems to have the most knowledge on this subject.

2023 F150 Raptor.

When I plug in the 7 pin to my truck, and start my truck, I get a trailer battery not charging error on the screen. The trailer has brakes and this is the emergency brake battery.
My trailer battery is good... 12.98 volts.
I can see 12.98 volts at the 7 pin on the trailer.

Not sure this is related, but also, my trailer interior lights (this is an enclosed trailer) will not come on. However, If I start the truck and unplug a replug in the 7 pin, they work. I checked the battery both ways as well... before and after I unplugged and replugged the 7 pin to get the interior lights to come on. No charging either way.
I tried all the other Gen14 recommendations... start the truck, close the doors, leave keys in the cab, put in drive or reverse and the trailer interior lights will not come on, unless I unplug and replug the 7 pin. Battery won’t charge either

The external light work fine.

Any ideas?

thanks.

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[Chappy133]

Just a SWAG. Does your trailer battery have a shut off or disconnect switch? Trailer interior lights may work when plugged into your truck since that is a grounded circuit.

 

[powerboatr]

And did you check the ground for trailer pig tail
And clean the contacts on the pig tail
Plugging in then unplugging will clean a spot
Our truck side connection is weirdly sensitive

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Last time I had trailer charging or lighting issues, it turned out to be a rather rusty ball. A new one fixed the issues

 

[powerboatr]

Rusty balls dammit
?
That's why a real ground on trailer wiring is a must

 

[syberspace]

I’ll check the ground.
The interior light will only come on if the truck is on and I plug in the trailer after it is on. It’s consistent… and I’m sure it’s not a connection for this issue.
Thanks for the input so far.

 

[powerboatr]

I’ll check the ground.
The interior light will only come on if the truck is on and I plug in the trailer after it is on. It’s consistent… and I’m sure it’s not a connection for this issue.
Thanks for the input so far.

Hmm. Truck only provides power via the connection when truck is running
Brake lights and lights will work if truck is off.
Missed that part earlier
Apologies

 

[syberspace]

Apologies not necessary…
It does seem odd that I have to plug the trailer in AFTER the truck is on. If it is plugged in and then I turn the truck on, no lights. I have to unplug and replug. Everytime.

 

[powerboatr]

Apologies not necessary…
It does seem odd that I have to plug the trailer in AFTER the truck is on. If it is plugged in and then I turn the truck on, no lights. I have to unplug and replug. Everytime.

yes that is truck forgetting its there, which is very indicative of a bad ground or the aux battery for the breakaway brake switch in the trailer being un charged or bad or somehow disconnected
i chased a trailer issue for days until i found the battery was the issue
one would think since the system is so good and tells us the lights for brakes etc dont work, that it could maybe display AUX battery error message
i used 2 different vehicles testing and rewiring before i found it
the emergency battery for the breakaway brakes was dead and OLD and simply would not take a charge, thus causing the disconnected, no trailer found, connected, routine

 

[syberspace]

I checked the battery. Was showing 12.9 volts iirc. The trailer, and I assume the battery, are brand new. I’ll check ground when I get a chance.
Appreciate all the help and suggestions.

 

[powerboatr]

I checked the battery. Was showing 12.9 volts iirc. The trailer, and I assume the battery, are brand new. I’ll check ground when I get a chance.
Appreciate all the help and suggestions.

Never assume ayx battery on trailer is charged or working
Trailer maybe new
But battery sits and sits
They are small with not much reserve
If some yahoo at the sales lot pulled break away switch. It will be depleted in under 5 minutes
Then it's noticed break away was pulled and gets reset. No body checks the battery
And even to see if it's connected
Mine is in a case that's a bear to open and inspect.. as are most installations
Assuming you have the small one and not a large deep cycle battery

 

[LD50]

Similar issue after I installed electric over hydraulic on my boat trailer. The battery would indicate it was charging if I plugged in after starting the truck. If it was plugged in when the truck was started, it wouldn't charge. I called Hydrastar, the manufacturer of the EOH system to see if they had any insight. They said they get the same question across manufacturers and it's a widespread issue with a lot of new trucks. Even the 1.5 amp load that the battery charger places on the system seems to cause fits.

I ended up pulling the positive wire for the breakaway battery charger off of that circuit and placing it on the trailer light circuit. Now when I pull the boat, I turn the headlights on if it's been awhile since I've last charged it. Not exactly the solution I was looking for, but it works.

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