Weak Braking with Factory Brake Controller on a 2014 Ram 5500

Updated 04/27/2015 | Published 04/25/2015

Question:

My controller at a Setting of Max 10 only puts out 7 Volts. Does not lock brakes even when Empty. Trailer works fine on Several other Trucks. Dodge Says there is nothing wrong with controller. But i am Sure it should Register 12 Volts at the Max setting of 10. Question? Should the controller Put out a Maximum of 12 Volts at Maximum Setting of 10

asked by: George H

Expert Reply:

I know that on any aftermarket brake controller the max output is around 12 volts. I assume that on your brake controller you are testing with the truck not moving, or at least I hope you are! If you are testing without the truck moving use the manual override with the controller set to maximum output, and not the brake pedal. On some proportional brake controllers, the vehicle has to be moving to apply the full voltage back to the trailer brakes.

If you are testing with the manual override at the trailer connector at the back of the truck and are only getting 7 volts, try testing at the output wire (usually blue) at the back of the controller. If it shows 12 volts there then that indicates a break in the wiring, loose connection, possibly corrosion inside of or on the pins of the vehicle's trailer connector.

expert reply by: Michael H