Neutral tow mode - HELP!

[KathyG]

I am setting up my 2023 Maverick XLT for flat towing as I type. The Brake-Lite Relay from Roadmaster has two sets of instructions. The technician from eTrailer.com indicated that the Mav requires using the "Instruction Sheet B". Other than that, is there anything else required that you were made aware of in your experience? Thanks so much for the help!

I suggest you look over the DIY install thread by LindaB on Dec 4 2022. She put on a Readybrake system, but she has a detailed explanation of the brake lite relay install along with a tip on removing part of trim for better access (it is hard to get to!).
Leave yourself enough time for this step as it took me a while to get the wires to where I could work on them.
You can do it!

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[Rufus]

I suggest you look over the DIY install thread by LindaB on Dec 4 2022. She put on a Readybrake system, but she has a detailed explanation of the brake lite relay install along with a tip on removing part of trim for better access (it is hard to get to!).
Leave yourself enough time for this step as it took me a while to get the wires to where I could work on them.
You can do it!

I got the brake light relay installed. It was literally impossible to access that connector until i figured out that i had to first remove the switch. I did not have to remove any trim pieces. After i figured this out, everything else went smoothly.

Do you know what Roadmaster had to do to make your setup work? I assume you are no longer having any issues?

Thanks

 

[KathyG]

I got the brake light relay installed. It was literally impossible to access that connector until i figured out that i had to first remove the switch. I did not have to remove any trim pieces. After i figured this out, everything else went smoothly.

Do you know what Roadmaster had to do to make your setup work? I assume you are no longer having any issues?

Thanks

I never had a problem with my setup. I installed brake lite relay with all other components as shown in the eTrailer installation videos and have been towing my Maverick without any issues. I use Stay and Play aux. braking system and diode wiring kit in the rear running, brake and turn signal lights.

 

[Rufus]

I never had a problem with my setup. I installed brake lite relay with all other components as shown in the eTrailer installation videos and have been towing my Maverick without any issues. I use Stay and Play aux. braking system and diode wiring kit in the rear running, brake and turn signal lights.

That is good to hear! i started to get anxious when i happened across this "neutral tow- help" thread. I got concerned that there is something else i am missing. My final set up is Demco baseplate, BlueOx diode kit, Roadmaster brake light relay, charge line to the jumper post up front and i also ran an accessories outlet under the driver dash that is always on to power my BlueOx Patriot braking system. And i use a BlueOx Aladdin tow bar. Looking forward to my test RV trip before a long one in the summer.

 

[phoneman01]

That is good to hear! i started to get anxious when i happened across this "neutral tow- help" thread. I got concerned that there is something else i am missing. My final set up is Demco baseplate, BlueOx diode kit, Roadmaster brake light relay, charge line to the jumper post up front and i also ran an accessories outlet under the driver dash that is always on to power my BlueOx Patriot braking system. And i use a BlueOx Aladdin tow bar. Looking forward to my test RV trip before a long one in the summer.

When you ran your accessories outlet, what did you use for ground(negative)? The jump post is not threaded and I want a clean connect for mine.

 

[Rufus]

When you ran your accessories outlet, what did you use for ground(negative)? The jump post is not threaded and I want a clean connect for mine.

Under the dash there are several mounting screws on bare metal, i removed one and inserted an eyelet connector. There are several grounding screws in the engine compartment right on the driver side chassis, if that works well for your planned wire routing.

 

[phoneman01]

Under the dash there are several mounting screws on bare metal, i removed one and inserted an eyelet connector. There are several grounding screws in the engine compartment right on the driver side chassis, if that works well for your planned wire routing.

Thanks!

 

[Rufus]

So after I finished installing the brake light relay, I started getting the "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message. the correction associated with the error according to the Ford Pass message i received was to clear any obstruction in front of the "radar". I was afraid that the baseplate and or connectors were obstructing the radar. I saw no radar during my install but I thought maybe it was just not obvious. Well after considerable research, I determined I did not even have a radar on my unit (only available on with the Adaptive Cruise Control). Long story short, I believe that the one of the two purple wires connected to the brake switch, which i twisted together, per the video from eTrailer, is a monitoring wire for the Pre-Collision Assist system and that it was not connected correctly so the system did not detect the correct signal. I redid the connectors, and now no more "Pre-Collision Assist not Available" message.

 

[Jayandita]

I think it is electrical feedback into the PCM due to no brake relay switch. Disconnecting the battery resets the module.
The brake relay switch is a bit difficult to install - but I was able to do it (tight spot to access).
We towed our XLT multiple times on a six week trip (about 3000 miles total distance) in all kinds of weather and it performed without any problems.
We have a Stay and Play brake system and Roadmaster baseplate and tow bar.

Got it figured out on mine. As @BradnChristine alluded to my issue was step related.

my issue was that after towing for 6 hours I would take the brake buddy off, and start the vehicle, instead of switching to acc mode first and taking out of neutral tow. Simple fix for mine, haven’t had the issue in 6 tows since.

 

[Desertsam]

It just happened to me, can drive but dash says Tow Mode. Called Ford dealer and he read me the instructions from the manual.

I'm going out to disconnect the battery for 15 minutes and hope for a fix.

Twinviat

 

[Desertsam]

I am having the problem at the end of the day towing dash stuck with Red N. And menu says disabled tow mode at a dealership now in Gallup NM . The first time yesterday was in Flagstaff, AZ at a Ford dealership

 

[BradnChristine]

I am having the problem at the end of the day towing dash stuck with Red N. And menu says disabled tow mode at a dealership now in Gallup NM . The first time yesterday was in Flagstaff, AZ at a Ford dealership

I'm on my second long trip (1350 miles so far since Monday. I follow my cheatsheet card and no issues.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Sounds like Ford should have embroidered directions to the sun visors so they are always handy. Then no excuse for customers missing a step.

 

[Twinboat]

I have towed my 2023 Maverick over 5000 miles . It has faulted out coming out of Neutral Tow after disconnecting 3 or 4 times. I just lift the battery cable for 10 minutes and it clears.

 

[Desertsam]

On a road trip now. After two Ford dealer fixes and 2 lost days and one tow truck. I have followed instructions on this forum with no more failures getting out of tow mode. Your break idea with the pressure regulator is working out great.

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