Bronco Towing - No lights on trailer

AngelaRick

Hi! First time trying to hook up my 2025 Bronco Outer Banks to a trailer. The tow package was either factory or dealer installed (it was purchased with it already on the vehicle) and we purchased a well rated hitch. Hooked up the trailer to the Bronco, used the app to test the lights and it gave an error, so tried testing it manually. Running lights operated but the brake and turn signals did not. Hooked the trailer up to our normal towing vehicle and all lights operated normally so we know it's something with the Bronco we just don't know what it is. Any ideas on where to start? I just ordered a Curt Trailer Wire Tester but it won't be here for a few days, and I'd like to troubleshoot more if possible.

As an aside, does anyone know if I can have "tow mode" added to my GOATs?

maybe a blown fuse? On our suburban if I would hook up the trailer while the suburban was on it would pop the fuse for the trailer lights. So I make it a habit of hooking the trailer up when the vehicle is off. On the Bronco I had to install the trailer hitch and wiring myself and have had 0 issues with it.

There is no tow mode for the Bronco when I tow the teardrop I use sport mode it locks the torque converter up like a tow mode would. And I watch my transmission temps like a hawk.

Jakob1972

maybe a blown fuse? On our suburban if I would hook up the trailer while the suburban was on it would pop the fuse for the trailer lights. So I make it a habit of hooking the trailer up when the vehicle is off. On the Bronco I had to install the trailer hitch and wiring myself and have had 0 issues with it.

There is no tow mode for the Bronco when I tow the teardrop I use sport mode it locks the torque converter up like a tow mode would. And I watch my transmission temps like a hawk.

Yeah, that just might be it. I think he did hook it all up while the Bronco was on.

Jakob1972

On the Bronco I had to install the trailer hitch and wiring myself and have had 0 issues with it.

I’ve installed my hitch and the module in the interior, but I haven’t run the wiring from the hitch to the front end yet. Was it easy to install? A video I watched indicated that you had to disassemble and reassemble a couple of power couplings. And it mentioned having to bring it to the dealer afterwards for a software upgrade.

Bronco Hitch Wiring

BuckYeah

I’ve installed my hitch and the module in the interior, but I haven’t run the wiring from the hitch to the front end yet. Was it easy to install? A video I watched indicated that you had to disassemble and reassemble a couple of power couplings. And it mentioned having to bring it to the dealer afterwards for a software upgrade.

Bronco Hitch Wiring

it was super easy I just ran the power wire all the way to the battery from the module (Tekonsha or Curt) can’t remember which one I used. Then run the wires up through the tail light passenger side and disconnect the factory connector then connect either side into the hitch wiring connector then repeat on the driver side. Then you have to ground the ground wire but there are lots of places to just drill a self tapper. You just have to be careful about routing the wire so you don’t have anything crossing over existing wiring and lines. I have one location that it crosses a few times, didn’t notice till I was buttoning things up. It will ride just doesn’t look professional, I am not a professional so works for me. 😂

Thanks for sharing your method, but I got the actual Ford harness and wanted to do what the dealer would do. It looks doable, but I was curious as to whether it would be easier with two of the wheels removed. The Trailer Tow Package was what kept my Bronco for being built for 14 months. It got scheduled three days after I removed the option.

The video I linked seemed straightforward enough, but I don't have a shop and I need to do this in a parking lot. My garage is too dark and cramped to accomplish the procedure. So, finishing up the install is a bit complicated. I mean, I'll have to bring a jack and a whole set of tools, not knowing what surprises lie in wait... LOL