Bypassing Factory Brake Controller (ITBC) on 2017 Ram 3500

Updated 09/26/2019 | Published 09/25/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

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$872.08

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

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$28.60

Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug

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$20.95

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

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$90.04

Question:

I have a 2017 dodge ram 3500 with the integrated brake controller I would like to either fix my integrated brake controller so it stops the trailer better 3 axels electric or bypass it but I was told if I bypass it I could do damage if I dont do something?

asked by: Joseph S

Expert Reply:

Even after they've been out for more than 10 years, we continually hear complaints from folks about the factory integrated brake controllers on their trucks. We never seem to hear "I love it, it works great!" From what I understand, the factory brake controllers have a power adjustment that allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of the braking force and a manual switch that applies the trailer brakes independently of the truck brakes. That's it, no further adjustments are possible.

If your trailer has straight electric brakes (not electric over hydraulic) the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160 would be an excellent choice. You'll also need the # 3024-P wiring harness.

If the trailer brakes are electric over hydraulic, go with the Hayes # HA81792BB G2 Brake Boss. You would also need the # HA81795-HBC wiring harness.

Both controllers are proportional, which means that the brake controller can determine how quickly the vehicle is braking and will then send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so that the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate.

The procedure for bypassing the factory controller is as follows. Remove the controller from the dash far enough so that you can unplug the wiring harness from the back of it. Install the aftermarket controller using the recommended wiring harness. The harness will plug into the connector located under the dash above the accelerator pedal as shown in the linked video.

Once you unplug the factory controller, it will trigger a warning lamp in the message center on the dash. The aftermarket controller should work fine at this point, but you'll have that message and maybe a warning chime or beep that will get annoying very quickly. You'll need to go to the dealer to have the computer reset to eliminate that warning. This will not damage anything, but the beep and the warnings in the message center will get old pretty quickly.