DavidR
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- David
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2019
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 388
- Reaction score
- 323
- Location
- Eastern CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger XLT Supercab Saber FX4
- Occupation
- Engineer
- Thread starter
- #1
I just moved a trailer hitch step from our old truck to the new Ranger (with factory tow package). The step has LED lights that are designed to work as an extra set of tail and brake lights when plugged into the truck's trailer wiring.
Well, this truck has a lot more intelligence and diagnostics than the old one. I instantly got messages about a trailer being attached, and the trailer's right turn signal being faulty (the hitch step has no turn signals, so I guess that's not surprising, but for some reason the truck is only complaining about the right-hand one). Also, various rear driver assist functions are automatically disabled due to the assumed presence of a trailer, despite there not actually being one. In addition, auto start-stop is disabled, which some people might actually like, but it could annoy people who do like auto start-stop.
What's worse is that the error about the malfunctioning right turn signal is posted repeatedly and must be manually dismissed each time.
Anyway, this is all no big deal, it's more just amusing. I just unplugged it and it's now a non-lit hitch step - no big loss. But if anyone is specifically looking for a lit hitch cover that plugs into the trailer wiring, be aware it can cause unexpected issues due to the extra intelligence built into the tow package.
Well, this truck has a lot more intelligence and diagnostics than the old one. I instantly got messages about a trailer being attached, and the trailer's right turn signal being faulty (the hitch step has no turn signals, so I guess that's not surprising, but for some reason the truck is only complaining about the right-hand one). Also, various rear driver assist functions are automatically disabled due to the assumed presence of a trailer, despite there not actually being one. In addition, auto start-stop is disabled, which some people might actually like, but it could annoy people who do like auto start-stop.
What's worse is that the error about the malfunctioning right turn signal is posted repeatedly and must be manually dismissed each time.
Anyway, this is all no big deal, it's more just amusing. I just unplugged it and it's now a non-lit hitch step - no big loss. But if anyone is specifically looking for a lit hitch cover that plugs into the trailer wiring, be aware it can cause unexpected issues due to the extra intelligence built into the tow package.
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