Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Not Working With 2016 Ram 5500

Updated 07/12/2023 | Published 07/10/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(58)

$12.11

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(102)

$1.77

Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(135)

$25.00

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2234)

$165.00

Question:

Hello ???? I have a 2016 Ram 5500 and I recently purchased East Texas gooseneck trailer with electric brakes,all the lights work but the trailer brake does not connect,previous owner of the dodge ram was pulling khaufman car hauling trailer with hydraulic brakes Need help what could be a problem? Thanks

asked by: Ramil D

Expert Reply:

There are a lot of possibilities here so I will try to help you narrow it down. Start at the 7-way on your 2016 Ram 5500. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 check for power on the brake output pin while using the manual override on your brake controller.

If you have power here it is a problem on the trailer side, if not it is on the vehicle side. While you're there, go ahead and make sure there is no corrosion or damage on the 7-way connector. It is a good idea to check the trailer connector as well.

Assuming you have power, you will need to check the trailer wiring. Test behind the connector so you can rule that out, then work your way back looking for a short and repair as necessary. I would also double check the ground connection just to be sure.

If you don't have power on the vehicle side, go ahead and test the brake output at the brake controller. If you have power here it is an issue with the wire. Either find the short and repair or replace it with # 10-1-1.

If you don't have power coming out, make sure the brake controller itself is getting power. I would also make sure all of the connections are properly in place. If the brake controller is bad you will need to replace it with one like the # RED24FR along with wiring harness # 331-TPH-020.