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Howie3's avatar
Howie3
Explorer
May 12, 2015

Ford SYNC trailer app says I'm towing

The computerized dashboard with my trailer package displays when my trailer is connected. This is handy not only for indicating the level of the brake controller but will show 'trailer disconnected' when the plug is removed. Awhile back, this alerted me when I didn't push the 7 pin plug in firmly enough and disconnected while traveling. I was able to pull over immediately before I found out the hard way that I had no trailer brakes.

So the other day I pulled the trailer out for spring maintenance and when I unhitched, the dashboard still showed trailer on. Every time I start the truck, the trailer app is showing up as reading a trailer attached.

Has anyone with Ford's SYNC trailer app experienced this, and if so, how did you solve it?
  • spud1957 wrote:
    As far as I know, Sync is an optional radio/phone/entertainment app and has nothing to do with the instrument cluster info. You don't need Sync to have a TBC.

    You may have an issue with your truck plug/wiring or your brake controller itself.


    +1 I have the info on the dash, but do not have SYNC.
  • I have a Prodigy P4 that has done this once or twice, it figures it out after a few minutes and goes back to "No Trailer."
  • As far as I know, Sync is an optional radio/phone/entertainment app and has nothing to do with the instrument cluster info. You don't need Sync to have a TBC.

    You may have an issue with your truck plug/wiring or your brake controller itself.
  • Ford has had many issues with their Sync system. My pharmacist had to have his reflashed after his A/C, radio and GPS quit working. Check with Ford the may have a service bulletin out on it.
  • Just a shot in the dark, but perhaps changing the active trailer in Sync then back?