Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes on 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 with Factory Brake Controller

Published 10/20/2017

Question:

I have a 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 with factory brake controller. I purchased a 2017 Iron Bull split tilt trailer with dexter axles and electric brakes. I now have a gain problem where the left brakes apply even when the controller is zeroed out. the right brakes stay cold. also when the gain is turned up to 1.5 the trailer brakes do not release on their own staying partially applied. The lights all appear to function as required. The breakaway does apply and release the brakes. When the brakes are zeroed out and manually applied the brake controller reads 30 I have attempted to talk with Dodge service and they have no idea other than to try a new controller they do not know if their factory controller would display a code if not working as designed. The trailer from the factory has had issues with the axles being installed improperly and the lights and wiring coming unplugged and hanging, but they say this is acceptable and no further Iron Bull NorStar service required as per their salesman.

asked by: David Y

Expert Reply:

It sounds like it is a brake controller issue and those factory integrated controllers are not very reliable. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 to replace your factory controller. It can be installed using the wiring adapter # 3021-P which plugs into a harness under your dash. It will be to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. The TIPM (totally integrated power module) needs to be reconfigures and the integrated brake controller needs to be unplugged.

This should make your system work properly with your trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S