Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message on a 2012 Ram 1500

Published 02/01/2018

Question:

Hi, I purchased a 2012 RAM 1500 used with the integrated brake controller. I just purchased my RV and on the way home from the dealer I start getting the Trailer Disconnected message on my dash and on the controller. I wouldnt think the trailer would have an issue with worn brake magnets or anything like that. I have inspected the connection at the 7-Pin connector and on both sides of the trucks plug show no corrosion and everything looks good. I tried connecting a test light like I read on your site and it works fine. When I first hook up the trailer it does fine for about 10 - 15 miles then starts disconnecting. Could the trailer still be the issue since it is new?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The intermittent trailer disconnected message that is appearing on your 2012 Ram 1500 is generally caused by corrosion in the trailer connectors but since you have already checked that we can eliminate that possible cause. I will say that although it may not appear that corrosion is present, you will still want to spray each end with some electrical cleaner and then use some dielectric grease like part # 11755 before mating them back together.

Once you have cleaned and greased the inside of your trailer connectors you will then want to check that the wires are properly attached inside of them. If you can open the trailer connector up and check the connection points than that would be ideal but if not you can usually tell if the wires are properly secured by giving each one a gentle tug.

Another thing that may be causing the message to appear is a loose ground wire. To rule this out you will want to trace the trailer connectors ground wire which is usually white down to the frame. The frame will need to be a clean bare metal surface so you may want to remove the ground, sand down a spot and reattach.

If none of the above troubleshooting steps fix the problem then please let me know and I would be glad to provide further assistance.

expert reply by: Conner L