Trailer Connected/Disconnected Warnings In The IPC – 2019-2020 Ford Ranger

NHTSA ID Number: 10181937

Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 20-2374

Summary

Some 2019-2020 Ranger vehicles may exhibit random Trailer Connected/Disconnected messages in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center when no trailer is connected. This may be caused by corrosion and/or moisture in C4098 (4-pin trailer tow connector), C4099(4/7 way trailer tow connector), and/or inline C405. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to inspect and repair the wiring and reprogram the trailer module (TRM).

 


2020 Ford Ranger
2020 Ford Ranger

 


Model:

FordeBay logo

2019-2020 Ranger

 

Issue: Some 2019-2020 Ranger vehicles may exhibit random Trailer Connected/Disconnected messages in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center when no trailer is connected. This may be caused by corrosion and/or moisture in C4098 (4-pin trailer tow connector), C4099 (4/7-way trailer tow brake electrical connector) and/or inline C405. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to inspect and repair the wiring and reprogram the trailer module (TRM).

 

Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria:

  • 2019-2020 Ranger
  • Trailer Connected/Disconnected message in the IPC message center when no trailer is connected

 

NOTE: Part quantity refers to the number of that service part number required, which may be different than the number of individual pieces. Service part numbers contain 1 piece unless otherwise stated. “As Needed” indicates the part is required but the number may vary or is not a whole number; parts can be billed out as non-whole numbers, including less than 1.

 

Parts

DescriptionQuantityPart Number
Wiring Harness – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application114405
Rear Bumper Wiring Harness – Refer To The Parts Catalog For The VIN Specific Application115K868
Pigtail Wiring Kit15U2Z-14S411- JA
Trailer Tow Brake Electrical Connector1FU5Z-14489-A
Rear Wiring Harness (Without Rear Bumper)1KB3Z- 13A576-C
Motorcraft® Electrical GreaseAs NeededXG-12
Electrical Grease
  • Genuine Motorcraft part that fits your specific vehicle
  • Grease
  • Part Number: XG12
  • Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

 

Service Procedure

  1. Reprogram the TRM using the latest software level of the appropriate FordeBay logo diagnostic scan tool.
  2. For vehicles equipped with a 4-pin trailer tow connector, proceed to Step 3. For vehicles equipped with a 4/7-way trailer tow connector mounted in the bumper, proceed to Step 7.
  3. Inspect connector C405 for corrosion. Is corrosion present?

(1). Yes – proceed to Step 4.

(2). No – proceed to Step 5.

  1. Replace the wiring harness(es) of the affected connector(s) and apply Motorcraft® Electrical Grease to the terminals and reconnect C405.

(1). When replacing the 15K868 harness, the 4-pin trailer tow connector on the new harness assembly is to be cut approximately 15 cm (6 inches) from the 4-pin trailer tow connector end. The cut-off 4-pin trailer tow connector should then be soldered onto the new harness using recommended splicing method 1 or 2 as shown in the Wiring Diagram, Cell 005, pages 5 or 6. Repair is complete.

 

NOTE: Do not use the butt splices provided with the service pigtail kit.

 

NOTE: Soldering the pigtail and using the dual wall heat shrink tubing will prevent moisture from migrating through the harness.

 

  1. Thoroughly dry connector C405 of any moisture and apply Motorcraft® XG-12 Electrical Grease to the terminals and reconnect C405.
  2. Replace C4098 with the service pigtail using recommended splicing method solder 1 or 2 as shown in the Wiring Diagram, Cell 005, pages 5 or 6. Repair is complete.

 

NOTE: Do not use the butt splices provided with the service pigtail kit.

 

NOTE: Soldering the pigtail and using the dual wall heat shrink tubing will prevent moisture from migrating through the harness.

 

  1. Inspect the trailer side connection terminals of the 4/7-way trailer tow connector mounted in the bumper for corrosion. Is there corrosion present?

(1). Yes – proceed to Step 8.

(2). No – proceed to Step 9.

  1. Replace the 4/7-way trailer tow connector.
  2. Inspect connectors C405 and C4099 for corrosion. Is corrosion present?

(1). Yes – replace the affected harness(es), apply Motorcraft® Electrical Grease to the terminals and reconnect C405 and C4099.

(2). No – thoroughly dry connectors C405 and/or C4099, apply Motorcraft® Electrical Grease to the terminals and reconnect C405 and C4099.

 


2 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKEMODELYEAR
FORDeBay logoRANGER2019-2020

 


1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

20-2374
27 October 2020

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10181937

MC-10181937-0001.pdf 116.315KB

 


 

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Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

 


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