Issues with Brakes Not Activating with Curt Discovery Brake Controller on 2015 Ram 1500

Published 12/30/2015

Question:

i have the same problem previously asked: Curt Time Delay Brake Controller Not Working with Brake Pedal on a 2015 Ram 1500 Question: when trailer hooked up and apply brakes controller does not activate trailer brakes, but if i move slide bar and release, then when I apply brakes it controls the brakes on the trailer. I have to do this everytime I am coming to a stop. 2015 Ram 1500 asked by: Shannon proper harness - no blown fuses- without trailer hooked up the dot / decimal lights every time i apply the brakes... with trailer hooked up - when apply the brakes - nothing shows - blank screen - BUT when i apply the manual slide - the trailer brakes apply and the led number show up. when this happens and i quickly apply truck brakes - the trailer brakes apply and the numbers show . but that all goes away seconds later - then back to no display and no trailer brakes.... is there a different or multi stop switches near my pedal i should be looking for? thanx

asked by: Jeff C

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt about the issues you and other customers have experienced with their Curt Discovery Brake Controllers # C84VV and newer model Ram trucks.

The problem stems from a low voltage output on the stoplight wire on the truck. The Discovery requires 12 volts from the stop light wire in order to recognize the signal and activate the trailer brakes. Curt has found that the newer Ram trucks often have less than 12 volts at the stop light wire when the brake pedal is pressed. My contact confirmed that they do not recommend using a Discovery brake controller on the 2015 Ram 1500.

For a controller that will work great with your truck, I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 with the brake controller adapter # 3024-P. The Primus IQ is a proportional brake controller that will apply the trailer's brakes in proportional to your vehicle's brakes. Proportional controllers activate immediately and do not have the pausing experienced with time-delayed controllers. I have attached a review video of this controller for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B