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

Question

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

1

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

1

Kris C.

7/6/2020

I'm having the same issue what should I do

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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.

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Kris C.

7/12/2020

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

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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.

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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.

Reply

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?

Reply

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.

Reply

Jameson C.

5/6/2025

@Jay Good to know. Glad you haven't had any issues since.

Reply

Answer 1

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Answer 2

If you remove the hub and wipe away the grease on the spindle you can check to see if it is damaged. Look for an scarring, gouges, discoloration, or scoring on the spindle. If the spindle is damaged then the bearings won't ride properly and can…

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Answer 3

The Kodiak Disc Brake Kit for Dexter 10,000 Lb Axles part #K2R1058D11E does have a three year warranty but with any product, the warranty really only covers manufacturing defects. If improper installation occurred such as not yielding the correct…

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Answer 4

The orange light on breakaway kit #20099 is indicating that the battery is charging. Since this is happening, not once, but twice with 2 different units on your trailer without the trailer connected that indicates a short. Since the breakaway system…

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Answer 5

First you will want to check the wiring of the Hopking Breakaway #20099. If the black wire from the breakaway box is not receiving 12 volts from the 7-way on your tow vehicle it will charge the battery. You will want to use a circuit tester like part…

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Answer 6

There should be a light on the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part #20400 when you press the test button no matter the battery status. If ones does not appear, check your connections but you'll likely need a new unit as this…

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Answer 7

There are several items you might want to try using for removal of corrosion in your 7-way trailer connector, like part #HM48480. White Vinegar A wedge shaped, slip on pencil eraser or art gum eraser Pipe cleaners PB Blaster If the corrosion is…

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Answer 8

The brake actuator that you have or purchase will state specifically what fluid you will need to use either on the cap or in the owners manual if not both. For the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator, #HS381-8067, you would be using DOT…

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Answer 9

The first thing I would do is check the brake output circuit on the 7-way of your tow vehicle. You will want to use a circuit tester like our part #3808 to check for voltage at this circuit when the manual override of your brake controller is…

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Answer 10

The "Trailer Disconnected" error message on the dash with a factory brake controller is usually related to an issue with the blue brake output wire that runs from the brake controller to the 7-Way connector. The fact that the issue remains…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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

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