Toyota Tundra Trailer Brake Controller Problems: How to Fix Them?

Toyota Tundras are known for their stiff frame and enviable off-road mannerism. You also get super competitive torque and horsepower. The truck delivers a comfortable drive experience when towing a trailer or a camper due to the upgrade to its suspension system. Its cabin exhibits a comfort level that sharply contrasts its stiff frame. On top of that, you get a truck with driver-assist features. 

TBC problems highlights

• Module's importance:Low
• Prone to failure:No
• Reasons for failure:Design flaw
• Ways to reset:Noway to reset
• Sphere of control:Trailer functions like brakes and lights
• Symptoms of failing:No trailer functions are working
• Price to repair:Repair is impossible
• Price to replace:$150 - $600

Trailer "Assist"

What's more interesting about Toyota Tundra's towing is its trailer assists feature. You get features like the straight path assist. The features ease the backing and parking processes when driving with a mounted trailer.  

You also get "trailer assist" technology. The trailer assist gives drivers a hands-free reverse ability when towing. 

Overview Toyota TundraTrailer Brake Controller

Gone are the days when drivers had to haul or tow objects behind their trucks blindly. Modern trucks have "trailer assists" features that make trailing heavy loads on the highway safer. 

Your Toyota Tundra Trailer system comes with an electronic brake controller. It gives you more control as you drive your truck with a mounted trailer or camper. You get optimal control as you stop or slow the tow truck. The brake controller also takes off the extra load and tasks needed to tow heavy loads. It prevents jerky rough stops and starts, often experienced during towing.

The brake controller syncs the trailer's power with the truck's power. Therefore, when you push the truck's brake pedal, the foot press engages the electromagnetic brake on the brake controller. The magnet comes into contact with the drum. The drum will cause the arm to rotate, shoving the shoes onto the drum. The pushes will generate friction which initiates the trailer to slow down gradually.  

The integrated brake controller on the truck's trailer system allows you to control or modify the brake pressure on your wheels. The balanced pressure will make stops more controlled and safer.

Brake Controller Multi-Information Display Settings

A multi-information display lets you access the brake controller right from the driver's seat. Press the buttons on the multi-information display control until the trailer brake screen pops up. 

You should see the trailer connection indicator on the screen. Check the upper right section of the screen. A green light on the screen indicates the trailer's connection to your car control unit. 

When you shift your focus to the center of the screen, right below the trailer and truck symbol, there is a gain level. It ranges from 0 (none) to 10 (maximum). The range determines the braking power directed to the trailer section. 

You'll also see an output meter that gives you live feedback on the braking force each time you engage the brake controller. There is also an output slider on the screen. It acts as the trailer's brake. It gives you direct control of your trailer's brake since it acts as a brake pedal. The more you push the slide, the harder the brake. The slider lets you set enough gain to make safe stops as you tow an object behind your truck. 

Common Toyota Tundra Trailer Brake Controller Problems

What are the common Toyota Tundra trailer brake controller issues? Let's explore them. 

• Recurrent "Trailer Disconnected" Message on the Display

You may see the "Trailer Disconnected" error on the multi-information system now and then. Drivers complain of seeing intermittent "Trailer Disconnected" alerts on the multi-information. The brake controller often fails to recognize the trailer on Toyota Tundra. You may see it if the brake controller fails to sync the truck's power to the trailer's power. 

Some drivers report that despite successfully connecting their trailers to their trucks, the trailer fails to merge with the truck's power and the hydraulic brake system. There are also reports of less to zero assistance from the brake controller. Drivers have had to set their trucks to manual override to maneuver the trailer. 

Fix To Recurrent "Trailer Disconnected" Message

Use a diagnostic tool to assess the brake controller system. Perform a thorough assessment to check what's causing the recurrent "Trailer Disconnected" error message on your display. Check the calibration ID on your brake controller's electronic control unit (ECU). Ensure you have the latest calibration on the controller's ECU.

Reprogram the diagnostic tool and continue assessing the controller's components. 

Also, check the pins on the brake controller if it's not acknowledging the trailer. Pay attention to the 5 o'clock positioned pin. The pin triggers the "Trailer Disconnected" message on your multi-information display if it fails to sense the connection. Ensure enough power is flowing through it. Use a tester and set the controller to maximum power settings. Activate the manual override when doing the testing. Check the wiring if you notice a low voltage. 

• Wiring Issues 

Wiring issues often cause problems with Toyota Tundra trailer brake controllers. It may cause trailer disconnection, high resistance in the brake controller, or the brakes may fail to apply.

Blown fuses are also rampant on the Toyota Tundra trailer brake controller. Drivers have reported blown fuses each time they adjust something on the brake controller. 

Fix 

In most cases, a short or damage to the wires in your brake controller may be causing blown fuses on the controller. Start by checking the connectors. Clean them. 

Also, check for signs of corrosion, particularly on sections where the wires are attached. You also have to check the cables outside the pins. 

Fix any pinches or damages to the wires. Check whether the grounding is operable. Test the current flowing into and out of the fuse. 

If the trailer system operates on the manual lever instead of the brake pedal, you'll need to review the red wire on the brake controller. Use a circuit tester to test it. If it lights up, it means enough power is flowing through to the brake controller.  

• Headlights Issues

At times the trailer's headlights may fail to work. Sometimes, the headlights may interfere with how the signals work. Some drivers reported that they had to switch off the headlights to get the alerts on the trailer to work. 

Fix

A circuit tester will help you identify what's causing the headlight issues. Test the truck side before connecting the trailer and after attaching the trailer. Let a friend operate all the light functions as you test the connectors. Remember, you need all the lights to function. 

Also, check for corrosion on the connectors. Assess the outside and inside sections. Always ensure that the main connectors are grounded and attached to clean metal surfaces.

Wrapping Up

Toyota Tundra is a good tower but may exhibit some brake controller issues that affect the trailer system performance. Chances are, you will experience recurrent disconnection, blown fuses, damaged pins, corroded connectors, damaged wires, and headlight issues with the brake controller. 

Don't ignore brake controller error messages that may pop up on the multi-information display. You'll keep seeing them if you're a heavy tower. Take your truck to an authorized dealer when you notice a brake controller error on the dashboard. The brake controller system will need a thorough assessment. All in all, the Toyota Tundra trailer system is quite reliable and can comfortably handle daily towing.