Trailer Brakes Lock Up No matter What Setting is On the Brake Controller in a 2014 Ram

Updated 06/30/2015 | Published 06/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

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$20.36

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$23.22

Question:

I had my trailer brake installed on my 2014 ram truck and my brakes on my trailer are still locking up no matter what I put the setting on

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

Usually when electric trailer brakes lock up it is because the brake pin on the trailer side connector is getting constant power. If you are using a 6-Way trailer connector or a 7-Way to 6-Way adapter then the likely cause is that the 12 volt circuit and the brake output circuit are switched.

This switch happens because there are 2 ways a 6-Way can be pinned out. The center pin will either be 12 volt power or electric brake output. If you are using a 6-Way or adapter for a 6-Way all you have to do is swap the wire positions for the 12 volt and brake output circuits.

Also, make sure you are using the correct Curt harness if using a Curt brake controller, # C51453.

If the harness is correct and you are not using a 6-Way or adapter then there are some tests you can perform to determine where the problem is. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a meter such as # PT89ZR to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only show amperage draw when you apply the manual override. If it shows amperage draw at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show amperage with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.