Trailer Brakes Work With Brake Controller But Not With Brake Pedal On A 2010 Dodge Ram 3500

Updated 03/15/2011 | Published 03/13/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge

(213)

$19.61

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have a trailer brake controler installed on my 3500 Dodge, the traler brakes work fine through with the controler, as all the other trailer functions except the trailer brakes dont apply when I step on the truck brake pedal, is there a wire that was not hooked up on the outlet plug to the trailer receptecle, blue wire. What has to be done for the trailer brakes to work with the truck brake pedal? Its a Phillips J 560 7 plug unit. Thank You.

asked by: Luis D

Expert Reply:

On your 2010 Dodge 3500 I would use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and probe the red wire on the back of your Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. When you step on the brake, the red wire should show a signal. If it does not, that means the controller is not receiving a signal from the brake pedal.

If you hardwired the controller, check the red wire connection to be sure it is attached to the correct wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal. You need the wire that shows a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed.

If you used a wiring adapter like the Tekonsha Brake Controller, part # 3021-P, that plugs into the port, check the pin that corresponds with the red wiring on the plug. If it shows a signal but the harness does not, then there is something wrong with the harness. If there is no signal at the pin when stepping on the brake pedal, then there is something wrong in the truck wiring and you will need to hardwire the red wire to the brake switch.

Since the trailer brakes are working when you manually apply them through the brake controller, it means you are getting power to the blue wire at the 7-way at the rear of your vehicle.

I am including a link to the instructions on the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller which will also have a troubleshooting chart.