Hopkins Reliance Trailer Brake Controller Does Not Work When Brake Pedal is Pressed

Updated 11/07/2011 | Published 11/06/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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Self-Stripping Connector with Waterproof Sealant - 14-18 Gauge - White and Blue - Qty 1

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Question:

I have a 08 ram 2500 it came with a relaince contoler it was just sitting on the floor borad of the truck when i bought it i mounted it on the dsash under the steerrring wheel it only works when i activate it by hand not when the pedal is applied? ant comments

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

There could be a couple of issues that are causing the problem with the Reliance brake controller on your 2008 Dodge Ram. First, determine how the brake controller is wired to the truck. If it is using a harness that plugs into the vehicle, # HM47755, or something similar, then you can check the stop light fuse to see if it is blown.

If it is hardwired in then you should see the red wire on the brake controller attach to a wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal. This is the stop light wire. There may be a bad connection and you will need to make a new one using a quick splice connector, # SWC501746-1.

If you have checked everything and it is still not working, you can test the red wire with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed. The wire should show a signal only when you step on the brake pedal. If it does not, then there is a problem with the stop light switch connection or the stop light fuse.

If it does show a signal, then also test the blue wire when you step on the brake. It should show a signal. If it does not, then there could be a problem with the brake controller. But first, try pushing the manual override lever on all the way and let it snap back into place. Do this several times to clean the contacts inside and then try again.

If that does not work then try adjusting the power output on the brake controller. If may be set so low that it is not functioning. If that, too does not work then there is a problem inside the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H