Corrosion or Loose Pins in the Trailer Connector:
This is the most common cause of failure.
Even mild oxidation on the 7-pin trailer connector (on either the truck or trailer) can cause intermittent connections.
What to do: Inspect both sides of the 7-pin connector for green corrosion or bent pins. Clean thoroughly with contact cleaner and a small brush or terminal pick if needed. Apply dielectric grease after cleaning.
Faulty Trailer Brake Wiring (on the Trailer Side):
Damaged wiring or a poor ground on the trailer can trigger the “brake disconnected” message.
What to do: Try connecting a different trailer. If the message goes away, the issue is in the trailer's brake wiring or ground.
Wear or Fault in the Truck-Side Harness (Brake Controller Wiring):
Check the controller’s plug for looseness or corrosion.
What to do: Re-seat the controller and check for any wear or chafing on the wiring behind the dashboard.
Software Glitch or Flashing Issue:
While less common, the controller's firmware or truck BCM settings could become unstable or corrupted over time.
What to do: A reflash might help. In rare cases, a software update can fix communication bugs between the truck and trailer module.
If you still have the OBD Genie , try re-running the flash. That may reset the system.
If you no longer have the original flash tool, we offer a standalone programmer for $129.95, configured to your VIN. For 2018+ vehicles, a security bypass module may also be needed for $49.95.
Clean and inspect all connections, especially the 7-pin plug.
Test with a different trailer to isolate if the problem is truck-side or trailer-side.
Check and re-seat the controller module wiring under the dash.
Contact us to verify your original order so we can determine what flash tool you had, and whether we can offer a standalone reflash device.