Multi-Function display and OEM brake controller problems

[azaustin]

When I picked up my new 2021 Gladiator Rubicon diesel the multifunction display in the dash went black just as I was leaving the parking lot. I stopped, re-started it, and it came back on. I drove back around the lot and pulled up in front of my salesperson and told him what happened. He told me to keep driving it and bring it back if I had any more problems. That was about a week and a half ago. Since then I‘ve put about 600 miles on it with no problems. Today, when I hooked up my trailer for the first time, not only did the dealer-installed OEM Mopar brake controller not work, the MFD went black again. It will come on if you put the truck in reverse, and you can select the Trial Cam from there, but otherwise it stays black until you turn off the motor, when it does the Jeep logo thing and goes black. Has anyone else had this problem? Since it happened before, I’m hesitant to think that hooking up my trailer had anything to do with it. I tried starting the engine several times after disconnecting the 7 pin plug from my trailer, but no luck, the display stays black. The brakes on my trailer worked perfectly on my 2017 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a Tekonsha controller I installed myself. In the morning I’m taking it to the dealer.

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[ShadowsPapa]

When I picked up my new 2021 Gladiator Rubicon diesel the multifunction display in the dash went black just as I was leaving the parking lot. I stopped, re-started it, and it came back on. I drove back around the lot and pulled up in front of my salesperson and told him what happened. He told me to keep driving it and bring it back if I had any more problems. That was about a week and a half ago. Since then I‘ve put about 600 miles on it with no problems. Today, when I hooked up my trailer for the first time, not only did the dealer-installed OEM Mopar brake controller not work, the MFD went black again. It will come on if you put the truck in reverse, and you can select the Trial Cam from there, but otherwise it stays black until you turn off the motor, when it does the Jeep logo thing and goes black. Has anyone else had this problem? Since it happened before, I’m hesitant to think that hooking up my trailer had anything to do with it. I tried starting the engine several times after disconnecting the 7 pin plug from my trailer, but no luck, the display stays black. The brakes on my trailer worked perfectly on my 2017 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a Tekonsha controller I installed myself. In the morning I’m taking it to the dealer.

There are technical service bulletins on the radio display having issues. I have not read all of them but my guess is that it's zero to do with the brake controller unless someone knocked something loose while doing the install.
Likely zero to do with the controller or your trailer as there's no connection between the two at all.
The brake controller connects to power, ground, the lead going back to the trailer connector for brakes, and the brake light system. That's it. It's not programmed in the vehicle, and has no connections that can impact the radio or display at all.
Take it to the dealer and have them check the TSBs (technical service bulletins) on the radio system.

 

[azaustin]

I agree. I just got back from test-driving the car again, and this time the brake controller worked, although it’s pretty crude compared to the Tekonsha I installed in my ‘17 Unlimited Rubicon that worked flawlessly for 41/2 years and nearly 41,000 miles. The 7-pin plug socket is the loosest fit I’ve ever seen in that type of connector. After really cramming the plug from my trailer in and making sure the latch lug was secure, the controller started working. When you lift the latch cover, the plug literally falls out. After reviewing the factory installation instructions, I think there is a very good chance the guy who did the installation knocked something loose.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I agree. I just got back from test-driving the car again, and this time the brake controller worked, although it’s pretty crude compared to the Tekonsha I installed in my ‘17 Unlimited Rubicon that worked flawlessly for 41/2 years and nearly 41,000 miles. The 7-pin plug socket is the loosest fit I’ve ever seen in that type of connector. After really cramming the plug from my trailer in and making sure the latch lug was secure, the controller started working. When you lift the latch cover, the plug literally falls out. After reviewing the factory installation instructions, I think there is a very good chance the guy who did the installation knocked something loose.

Very possible they did.
My connector is so tight I have to force it into the socket hard and it's difficult to get it in far enough that it locks in place with the cover! I suspect it's the trailer side of the connector as it was snug in my Chevy, too.

 

[azaustin]

Just found a way to fix the black screen problem, at least temporarily. There was a post on JGF from FDX Guy on 3/19 that advised holding the volume and tuning buttons for 10 seconds to initiate a soft reboot. I did it, and it worked, so a big thanks to FDX Guy for that post. I’m still going to call the dealer and give them a heads-up on the issue, plus complain about the socket fit. I’ve owned my Haulmark race trailer since 2008, and never had a problem with the 7-pin plug being loose in my F250, on my Jeep Wrangler, or on a couple of my buddie’s trucks when I loaned it to them. My two toy haulers, ditto.

 

[azaustin]

Correction. That post was on the Wrangler forum.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just found a way to fix the black screen problem, at least temporarily. There was a post on JGF from FDX Guy on 3/19 that advised holding the volume and tuning buttons for 10 seconds to initiate a soft reboot. I did it, and it worked, so a big thanks to FDX Guy for that post. I’m still going to call the dealer and give them a heads-up on the issue, plus complain about the socket fit. I’ve owned my Haulmark race trailer since 2008, and never had a problem with the 7-pin plug being loose in my F250, on my Jeep Wrangler, or on a couple of my buddie’s trucks when I loaned it to them. My two toy haulers, ditto.

LOL - geesh, never thought of the reboot thing. That's what was recommended when I had bluetooth issues with mine.

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