Does 2012 Ram 1500 With Factory Brake Controller Need to be Flashed to use Aftermarket Controller

Updated 01/07/2020 | Published 01/05/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(212)

$26.56

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6457)

$170.94

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1671)

$262.40

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

(2133)

$104.93

Question:

I have a factory integrated brake controller that was installed in 2012 Ram and has worked fine up until last March dont use i much in the summer . It started having a trailer disconnected message on the dash intermittently. After more closely monitoring it I notice a few consistencies. PS I did try using the trailer on another Ram truck with a factory controller and the trailer had no disconnect issues. First thing I noticed was that the disconnect message mostly appeared while stopped or going very slow. Second was as i increased speed to 25-35 mph the disconnect message went away. Third the message would reappear after coming to a stop and remaining stopped for approximately a minute or more. If I was to install an aftermarket controller I assume I would have to have the truck flashed to remove the controller ?

asked by: Mark N

Expert Reply:

With one exception, you will need to see your local Ram dealer to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) on your 2012 Ram 1500 to install an aftermarket brake controller. The exception is the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, which will override the factory controller so you can just plug it right in without any other necessary steps. Otherwise, if you were to use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 or Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 with Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3021-P (required for both controllers) you would need to go see your Ram dealer.

An aftermarket controller really is the best option as they are far more reliable and outperform factory brake controllers so I highly recommend going that route, particularly with the Echo. Your factory brake controller is also not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes if you ever get a trailer with that braking system or decide to upgrade to EOH brakes.

In regards to the issues you are having with your factory controller, it sounds like the issue is the wiring on your truck or your Ram 7-way connector because you (wisely) tried the trailer on another truck and didn't have any issues. There may be a short somewhere on the truck's wiring or the connector may be damaged and you can replace it with Replacement 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector # A10-7072VP. I have added links to video reviews and a help article on aftermarket brake controllers for your generation of Ram trucks to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S