Installing Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller, 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 with Factory Brake Controller  

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I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha about installing an aftermarket brake controller on a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 with factory installed brake controller. He stated that you will get that error message and you will not be able to clear it. It is indicating that something is wrong with the factory unit and will remain as long as the factory unit is disconnected. It will not impact an aftermarket brake controller when installed, the aftermarket unit should still work properly.

Since there is no way to clear the code, what some people have done was to wire a completely new additional 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle and hardwire the aftermarket brake controller to it. This way, you still have the factory unit installed, you will not get an error message, and you can use an aftermarket controller. Just be sure to plug the trailer into the 7-Way you added to use the aftermarket controller.

To hardwire an aftermarket controller and separate 7-Way, you will need a couple of items. First, you will need to install a separate 4-Way, # 119178KIT. I have included a link below to a video showing a typical installation.

Next, you will need a 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. The previously installed 4-Way will plug into the back of the ETBC7 leaving 4 wires to hardwire. The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The yellow (or purple) wire can be connected to the reverse light circuit behind one of the taillights (if needed). The black wire will connect to the positive battery terminal via a 40-amp circuit breaker. And the blue wire will connect to the brake controller blue wire.

Once those connections are made, route the black power wire on the brake controller through the fire wall to the positive battery terminal via a 20- or 30-amp circuit breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use). Next, route the white wire through the fire wall and connect to negative battery terminal. There will be extra wire left over in the kit to make the connections. Last, use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to find the wire on the brake switch that carriers a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. Attach that wire to the brake controller red wire.

Test the brake controller and installation will be complete. I have included a link below that explains installing a brake controller from scratch that should help with this installation.

expert reply by: Michael H

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