Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The trailer brake control (TBC) module is an integrated electronic control device that is designed to provide variable braking power to the electric-actuated drum brakes on a towed trailer (1 to 4 axles only). The braking energy that is provided to the trailer is varied with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal that switches between 0 volt and battery voltage, the higher the duty cycle the more braking power available.

The TBC module receives information through the controller area network (CAN). These inputs are from the powertrain control module (PCM), the instrument cluster and the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. The information sent out from the TBC module is through the CAN and is displayed on the instrument cluster message center.

To adjust the gain setting up or down, the TBC module faceplate provides the driver with control buttons which determine the maximum power output sent to the 7-pin connector. The TBC module faceplate also provides a manual control lever to manually apply the trailer brakes, independent of the vehicle brakes, to calibrate the gain setting to the specific trailer loading and road conditions. Note that when the manual control is activated, both the vehicle and the trailer brake lamps illuminate. If a trailer is not connected and the manual control lever is activated, the vehicle brake lamps still illuminate. The TBC module faceplate displays the gain setting and relative trailer braking power during a braking event. The TBC module also has an illuminated red or green trailer icon that displays the trailer connectivity status to the driver.

The TBC module is operating correctly if the following conditions are met.

NOTE: These conditions require that a trailer is not connected to the trailer tow connector.

Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

NOTE: With no brake pedal or manual lever input, the TBC module light emitting diodes (LEDs) should remain off.

Verify that the manual lever is not stuck, then set the TBC module gain to 10 and slide the manual lever all the way to the left. The TBC module LEDs should illuminate and the message center should display TRAILER DISCONNECTED or CHECK TRAILER.
With the vehicle stationary, there should be greater than 10-12 volts supplied to trailer tow C4099-3 circuit 43 (DB).

Every 4 seconds the TBC module sends a voltage pulse along circuit 43 (DB) to trailer tow C4099-3 to determine whether a trailer is connected to the trailer tow connector. If the TBC module receives a returning voltage, a trailer is connected. If the TBC does not receive a returning voltage, a trailer is not connected.

The instrument cluster will display TBC FAULT if it is receiving communications from the TBC module but the instrument cluster has not been configured for a trailer brake system. If the instrument cluster displays TBC FAULT, Go to Symptom Chart .