Troubleshooting 2012 Ram 2500 Factory Brake Controller Issues With Signal Lost Code

Updated 07/29/2020 | Published 07/27/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6546)

$171.94

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(102)

$1.71

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge

(212)

$26.56

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(2)

$21.68

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(59)

$12.59

Question:

I’m towing a 5th Wheel with my 2012 Dodge Ram 2500. I’m getting a SL code on my factory brake controller and it will reset and go off. It does this at random times. I put some electrical grease on the connection plug and still getting brake controller disconnected. I just tested the connection with no issues, but when I start driving at random times the SL will appear on factory brake controller. I can’t find the wire harness under the vehicle to make sure it is not loose or corroded. Is there a connection in the wire harness besides the one that plugs into the rear 7 pin? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. We are going to travel through high mountains and I want to make sure my electric brakes work correctly. Thanks so much for your time in advance.

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

There is just the connection at the 7-way and then the connection at your brake controller under the dash. These are the only two connection points that will give you that signal lost or trailer disconnected code because of the draw of power needed on the 5 o'clock brake controller output pin.

You should check the ground wire connections on your brake assemblies to make sure they are free of corrosion and debris. You also should test your brake magnets as a failing magnet can cause an error like that as well. I've attached a couple articles to help as you troubleshoot. I recommend using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test your power when connected to your truck and # BTMT15 to test your magnets.

If everything checks out, it may be best to replace the factory brake controller with an aftermarket option like # 90195 you asked from as they are consistently better then the OEM options. You just need wiring harness # 3021-P for this installation.

It is possible you have a short in your trailer brake wire so you may need to replace with # 10-1-1.