Error Message on Brake Controller with 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Towing 4 Star 36 ft. Gooseneck Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The random nature of this problem suggests that motion and vibration while driving are revealing the issue. I have included an article on troubleshooting brake controllers; this will guide you through the testing steps to eliminate potential causes one by one. I do see that you have already checked your connections to ensure they are clean and secure. Sometimes issues like this one can hide behind an intermittent connection - the wire seems attached solidly in the mechanical sense (it will not come loose when pulled on) but it still may have only an intermittent electrical connection.

First I suggest you re-route your brake ground wire to your trailer frame, rather than to your truck. The ground wire is too long as it is now. Make sure the ground wire is very securely attached to a spot on the trailer frame that is unpainted and free of any dirt, oil or contaminants. Select a grounding spot that will not expose the wire to abrasion from moving parts such as suspension components. It is common for ground wires to be the source for problems like this, even if they seem to be secure. You will definitely be better off with the shortest possible ground wire affixed to the nearest suitable spot on your trailer frame.

If the re-routed ground wire does not fix the problem, then next I would disconnect the trailer electrical connections and proceed to use a circuit tester, such as # PTW2979, to test the signals at the output of your vehicle connector. First test for a brake output signal on your output connector when the brakes are pressed (you will benefit from a helper for this process). If you refer to the attached article on trailer wiring you will see illustrations of 7-way connectors. Test for signal at the pin connected to the blue brake output wire. On a round-pin connector this should be the center pin; on a flat-pin connector it should be the pin at the 5-oclock position. If you detect a correct brake signal when the brakes are applied then you can next focus on the trailer wiring.

It is not uncommon for trailer wiring to develop shorts from the vibration and friction that occur while driving. Check the trailer side wiring for worn or broken insulation or other signs of damage, especially around spots where the wire has to bend or where it may contact sharp edges of the trailer frame.

It is also possible that you could have a short on the trailer brake magnets; the procedure for troubleshooting is also outlined in the attached article.

Other potential causes: if you have a factory-installed brake controller, it may have become damaged. We often recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Proportional Controller, part # 90885.

I have included two brief videos concerning troubleshooting trailer wiring; the trailer type is different than yours but the wiring/grounding principles are the same. I have also included an article on trailer wiring that covers most of the essentials.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Arthur M.

5/19/2020

I have a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 dually , and the Trailer break control module keep sending codes to service the trailer brake when the trailer was not connected , then when I was hauling 36 foot car hauler with electric trailer brakes it would not engage when using the slide on the controller

Chris R.

5/21/2020

Is this on the factory integrated controller? If so, there's most likely a short somewhere along the brake output circuit going from the controller to the 7-Way. You can try tracing this wire to check for any damaged areas, but this may be difficult since most of it is well-hidden. I would start by inspecting the 7-Way itself - look for any corrosion or debris built up inside the pins, cleaning out as needed. Rust inside the connector can cause a short on this circuit, so hopefully doing this simple step will resolve the issue.