Does 2012 Ram 1500 With Factory Brake Controller Need to be Flashed to use Aftermarket Controller
Question:
I have a factory integrated brake controller that was installed in 2012 Ram and has worked fine up until last March dont use i much in the summer . It started having a trailer disconnected message on the dash intermittently. After more closely monitoring it I notice a few consistencies. PS I did try using the trailer on another Ram truck with a factory controller and the trailer had no disconnect issues. First thing I noticed was that the disconnect message mostly appeared while stopped or going very slow. Second was as i increased speed to 25-35 mph the disconnect message went away. Third the message would reappear after coming to a stop and remaining stopped for approximately a minute or more. If I was to install an aftermarket controller I assume I would have to have the truck flashed to remove the controller ?
asked by: Mark N
Expert Reply:
With one exception, you will need to see your local Ram dealer to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) on your 2012 Ram 1500 to install an aftermarket brake controller. The exception is the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, which will override the factory controller so you can just plug it right in without any other necessary steps. Otherwise, if you were to use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 or Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 with Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3021-P (required for both controllers) you would need to go see your Ram dealer.
An aftermarket controller really is the best option as they are far more reliable and outperform factory brake controllers so I highly recommend going that route, particularly with the Echo. Your factory brake controller is also not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes if you ever get a trailer with that braking system or decide to upgrade to EOH brakes.
In regards to the issues you are having with your factory controller, it sounds like the issue is the wiring on your truck or your Ram 7-way connector because you (wisely) tried the trailer on another truck and didn't have any issues. There may be a short somewhere on the truck's wiring or the connector may be damaged and you can replace it with Replacement 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector # A10-7072VP. I have added links to video reviews and a help article on aftermarket brake controllers for your generation of Ram trucks to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge
- Q&A: 2007 Ford E450 Super Duty Brake Controller and Install Harness
- Q&A: Location of Brake Controller Connector on 2012 Ram Truck
- Video: DIY 2016 Ram 1500 Installation for the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Should I Get a Proportional or Time-Delayed Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller
on Accessories and Parts
