Troubleshooting Low Brake Voltage to Trailer Brake Assemblies that are New

Published 01/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

(201)

$93.09

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(264)

$19.65

Question:

Jameson ok on the wire but , the trailer has always had pretty good brakes till recently. I checked all the connections and found no issues . I also check the master blue wire in several locations headed towards the front of trailer , still only 5.0 bolts on master wire that looks to be in very good condition. I did read a few blogs were people were ... having problems with the indash factory brake actuator working with no help from the ram truck dealerships .

asked by: Dan

Helpful Expert Reply:

You definitely have too low of voltage at your brake assemblies for them to brake firmly when you need them to. Most of the time this is due to the wiring of the brakes not being heavy enough. What you'll most likely end up having to do is replace the wiring of this circuit with all 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 which is sold by the foot.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Dan

1/6/2020

Jameson C.

1/6/2020

The factory brake controllers in trucks sometimes don't work as well as needed. In a lot of situations the best option is to replace the controller with an aftermarket one like the P3 part # 90195 which is our most reliable and best performing option. If you check the brake output pin on your truck's 7-way (the 5:00 position) for voltage and you are still getting the lower voltage then the issue would be the factory controller. 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, # 3023-P. To disconnect the ITBM, you will need to contact 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.