Troubleshooting "Check Trailer Brakes" Message on 2017 Dodge Ram 2500

Updated 05/06/2025 | Published 10/15/2018

Question:

I have a fifth wheel camper and I pull it with a 17 Dodge 2500. Trailer brakes come integrated into the bed and the dash board of the truck. My problem Im having is every so often I get a message on my truck that says check trailer brakes or check trailer wiring and once it even said service trailer brakes. They work but every so often it will give me this message and once when it said trailer brakes disconnected and the brakes on the camper didnt work at all for a minute. Im not sure what to do because I cant get this figured out and I dont need my brakes not working pulling this heavy of a load.

asked by: Andy S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Most likely you just need to clean the pins of your 7-ways and the error message will go away. It's very common for a bit of corrosion on the connectors to cause an intermittent trailer connection which is what is causing the error message you are seeing.

I also attached a couple help articles on troubleshooting brake controllers and brake magnets if that does not take care of the problem.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Kris C.

7/6/2020

I'm having the same issue what should I do

Chris R.

7/10/2020

This error message almost always has to do with the brake output circuit on the truck. If you already cleaned out the 7-Way pins as mentioned above, your next step is to just try and inspect this particular circuit wire. You should be able to access a small portion of it directly behind the 7-Way - look for any pinched or damaged areas - but otherwise your best bet is to probably take it up to a local dealer.

Kris C.

7/12/2020

@ChrisR I put a new wiring harness on the truck the other day and it still doing it

Chris R.

7/16/2020

@KrisC The issue could be further up the truck (the brake output wire extends from the 7-Way all the way up to the dash). Because this is factory wiring though it'll be pretty tough to access. Your best option at this point may be to bring the truck up to a local dealer to have them take a look.

See All (5) Replies to Kris C. ∨

Jay

5/6/2025

I had the same brake message on my 2012 Ram after getting into a 2 hour slow moving traffic backup on the freeway. Looked at the contacts on both truck and trailer, got same message a few miles later. Pulling over again I plugged into factory bumper outlet, that lasted for the next 2.5 hours home. Now for the fix; Using the brakes so much in traffic it had heated the trailer connector end enough to melt the plastic to blind over the brass contact. I scraped the brass contact with a pocket screwdriver to remove the fine layer of plastic off. So far it has worked perfect for 7,200 miles pulling my 5 wheel trailer. Will try to attach picture of melted connector.

Jameson C.

5/6/2025

@Jay That's pretty crazy. If it heated up the connector to that point that makes me think you are drawing more than the wiring of the circuit can handle. If you don't have 10 gauge wire for the brake output circuit on the trailer I would upgrade to that. We have that with part # 10-1-1 sold by the foot. How many brake assemblies are on your trailer?

Jay

5/6/2025

@JamesonC State Contractors were repairing pot holes and damaged roadbed, so there was a lot of trailer movement before traffic slowdown. We were in stop and move 20 feet and stop again traffic on a slight downgrade for miles. I think the plugin cover came unlatched from trailer plug allowing it to sag a little, I now wrap a small bungie cord around that plugin cover/connection spot. Have not had a problem in 7,200 miles so far, rough roads to smooth pavement.