Troubleshooting Integrated Brake Controller 2018 Ram 3500 Showing Intermittent Trailer Connection

Updated 07/21/2020 | Published 10/15/2018

Question:

Brake controller problem on 2018 dodge ram 3500The brake controller is continually dinging and then saying that the trailer brake is disconnected from the trailer. Flashes off and on. When the message shows trailer brake disconnected I actually do not have brakes on the trailer. Have checked all wiring and connections on trailer and they seem to be OK. Could the problem be in the brake controller itself

asked by: Don

Helpful Expert Reply:

It's very possible that the brake controller is having an issue, but typically when we see an intermittent brake controller error code the problem is actually just corrosion on the trailer wiring connectors preventing a solid connection. If your trailer has electric over hydraulic brakes though the problem is most likely the brake controller like you mentioned. Reason being that integrated OEM controllers really don't electric over hydraulic actuators and are typically unreliable with them.

To install an aftermarket brake controller on a 2018 Dodge Ram that has the factory integrated controller you will have to disconnect the ITBM (Integrated Trailer Brake Module). Doing so will turn on a warning lamp on the instrument cluster. In order to disconnect the ITBM and not get the warning lamp, your local Dodge dealer will have to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), of the truck. Once the TIPM has been reconfigured, and the ITBM has been unplugged, you can use a vehicle specific brake control harness such as the Tekonsha # 3024-P, to install the aftermarket brake control.

To disconnect the ITBM, you or the dealer will need to contact the Business Center to remove the sales code (XHC). The TIPM will need to be reconfigured. Once the sales code has been disabled you can disconnect the ITBM electrical connector, under the dash, without getting the warning lamp. Basically the computer needs to be told that the truck does not have a brake controller so you can unplug it without getting that warning light.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Don S.

6/12/2020

i have a 2016 ram 2500, do not have blue wire brake indication at trailer connection with tester in place. I have check fuses , checked connecter,

Chris R.

6/16/2020

Are you making sure to use the manual override on the brake controller when testing that blue brake output wire/circuit? The factory controller is proportional (braking power is based deceleration), so stepping on the brake pedal while parked won't send any power back. If you're using the manual override and still not showing any power, and all the fuses are good, you'll need to try and inspect the brake output wire between the controller and 7-Way. You'll likely need to bring the Ram up to a local dealer for this.

6/14/2020

Hello, I have a 2010 Silverado 2500 with the integrated trailer brake. Message continues to pop up on my dash that I need to Service Trailer Brake even though I just had the relay replaced. So the integrated does not work (tried towing, and confirmed it does not work) Instead of wasting more money trying to figure out what is wrong with the integrated trailer brake, can I just buy the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller? Will the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller work even if my integrated brake controller is not working? Thanks.

Greg

7/12/2020

So my new 2018 ram 2500 cummins hooked to my camper when synced is not braking my trl even at highest gain setting. The 2015 silverado 2500 i traded in when synced worked great. Camper is new, only used twice w/ the chevy& twice with dodge, so i cant see where i have a trl brake issue. Any thoughts?

Chris R.

7/16/2020

Is this with a factory integrated brake controller? Does the camper happen to have electric-over-hydraulic brakes or just standard electric?

Greg

7/16/2020

@ChrisR standard elec. no hydraulic

Chris R.

7/21/2020

@Greg Thanks for the info. The issue certainly seems to be on the truck side. Inspect the 7-Way connector for any debris/corrosion inside the pins that needs to be cleaned out. Also inspect the wiring just behind it for any damage. If this all looks good your best option may be to bring the Ram up to a local dealer to have them take a look since you're dealing with factory wiring/components.