The trailer brakes can be managed through the Trailer brake controller using the 7-pin connector. After selecting the brake system installed on the trailer, either electric or electric-over-hydraulic, the driver can set the controller "gain" to match the current towing conditions. The manual brake slider applies braking force to the trailer independently, making it possible to slow the trailer without directly applying the Toyota Tacoma brakes. Pressing the vehicle brake pedal also sends braking output to the trailer through the same connector, allowing the vehicle and trailer to slow or stop together.
The multi-information display provides the main operating information for the trailer brake controller, including the selected "gain" value, manual brake output, trailer brake type and trailer connection status. This makes it easier to confirm the current controller settings while preparing the Toyota Tacoma for towing.
This vehicle comes equipped with a Toyota Genuine Trailer Brake Controller designed to work with the vehicle's towing and braking systems.
Installing or operating a third-party trailer brake controller together with the Toyota Genuine Trailer Brake Controller can produce unexpected system behavior or interfere with normal operation. For this reason, Toyota does not recommend using a third-party brake controller in combination with the factory-equipped controller on this vehicle.
WARNING
When driving on slippery road surfaces
During braking on a slippery surface, if ABS is activated, the braking output sent to the trailer may be reduced. This reduction helps lower the likelihood of the trailer wheels locking while the Toyota Tacoma is braking under low-traction conditions.
The trailer itself is not equipped with ABS. Adjust vehicle speed and braking carefully whenever towing on wet, icy or otherwise slippery road surfaces.
System operation
- "GAIN" (+/-) selection button
Press the "GAIN" (+/-) buttons to change the maximum amount of braking power that can be delivered to the trailer brakes. The "gain" setting ranges from 0, which provides no trailer brake controller output, to 10 for maximum output, and it can be adjusted in 0.5 increments to suit the towing situation.
Each press of either button raises or lowers the "gain" by one adjustment step. The selected value is shown in the multi-information display, allowing the driver to verify the setting before or during towing.
- Trailer brake type
The trailer brake type is selected through the multi-information display. Once the appropriate type has been chosen, the combination meter shows the active trailer brake setting in the multi-information display so the driver can confirm which configuration is currently being used.
- Manual brake slider
Moving the manual brake slider applies only the trailer brakes and does not directly apply the vehicle brakes. If the slider is operated while the Toyota Tacoma brake pedal is already being pressed, the controller compares the requested outputs and sends the greater braking output to the trailer brakes.
Changing settings of the trailer brake type
Select "Trailer Settings" in the multi-information display, then add a trailer by following the instructions shown on the display. This menu is also used when the trailer configuration needs to be changed.
Changing either the trailer brake type or the trailer ID resets the current "gain" setting to zero. After making either change, do not assume that the previous braking output setting has been retained.
Set the "gain" again using the procedure described in the following section before relying on the trailer brake controller for the current towing setup.
Setting the "Gain"
The trailer brake controller "gain" should be matched to the specific towing conditions rather than treated as a fixed setting. Recheck and adjust it whenever the Toyota Tacoma load, trailer load, road conditions or weather changes, because each of these factors can affect the amount of trailer braking that is appropriate. Setting the "gain" value to 0 disables trailer brake controller output entirely.
1. Confirm that the trailer brakes are in proper working condition and operate normally before towing. Inspect their response and condition carefully, and contact a trailer dealer if service, adjustment, or further verification is necessary.
2. Connect the trailer to the Toyota Tacoma and complete all required electrical connections correctly. Verify that the trailer wiring and brake connection are properly secured before continuing with the setup.
3. Using the multi-information display, select the trailer brake type that matches the braking system installed on the trailer. Choosing the correct brake configuration is necessary for appropriate trailer brake controller operation.
4. With the trailer attached, drive the Toyota Tacoma on a level road that closely represents the expected towing conditions. Select a traffic-free area where the procedure can be performed safely, and maintain a speed of approximately 20 - 25 mph [35 - 40 km/h].
5. Use the "GAIN" (+/-) selection buttons to establish an initial "gain" setting of 5.0. This provides a starting point from which the trailer braking output can be adjusted for the current trailer and load.
6. While continuing to drive at approximately 20 - 25 mph [35 - 40 km/h], fully operate the manual brake slider so that braking is applied through the trailer brake controller.
7. Adjust the "gain" with the "GAIN" (+/-) selection buttons. Increase or decrease the setting progressively until trailer braking is brought to a point just below trailer wheel lock-up. The objective is to obtain strong trailer braking without causing the wheels to lock.
8. Confirm the adjustment by repeating steps 6 and 7 as necessary. Continue testing and refining the setting until the desired "gain" is reached, remaining just below the point at which the trailer wheels begin to lock.
When setting the "gain"
Trailer wheel lock-up can usually be identified by tire squeal or visible tire smoke. When towing a heavily loaded trailer, however, the trailer wheels may not reach the point of lock-up during this adjustment procedure. If that occurs, set the trailer "gain" to the highest allowable setting that is appropriate for the existing towing conditions rather than attempting to force wheel lock-up.
When disconnecting and reconnecting battery terminals
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery terminals resets the stored "gain" setting data. After battery power has been restored, check the trailer brake controller setting again and readjust it as required before towing with the Toyota Tacoma.
Trailer Sway Control Function
Trailer Sway Control helps suppress trailer sway at an early stage by working with the trailer brake control system and applying the trailer brakes when necessary. This coordinated braking action is intended to help stabilize the trailer before sway becomes more pronounced.
If the Trailer brake warning light comes on
Illumination of the Trailer brake warning light indicates that a malfunction has been detected in either the Trailer brake control system or the Trailer connector circuit. Normal trailer brake controller operation should not be assumed while this warning is present.
Have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately so the cause of the warning can be diagnosed and corrected.
WARNING
Trailer brake type setting
The driver is responsible for confirming that the trailer brakes operate normally and are adjusted correctly for the trailer and towing conditions. Failure to inspect, maintain, or properly adjust the trailer brakes can reduce braking control and may result in loss of vehicle control, a collision, serious injury, or death.
The Trailer brake control system is compatible with most electric and electric-over-hydraulic trailer braking systems with up to 3 axles and a maximum output of 24A to the trailer brakes. Compatibility should always be checked at low speed in a safe area before normal towing begins. If a warning message appears in the multi-information display, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. Certain electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems require a minimum amount of controller output before the brakes begin to operate, which should be considered during compatibility testing and "gain" adjustment. The Trailer brake control system is not compatible with trailer hydraulic surge brakes.
