Does Install of P3 Brake Controller in 2018 Ram 2500 Require Computer Reprogram

Updated 11/18/2025 | Published 12/11/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6643)

$155.79

Question:

Can I unplug from integrated and plug in prodigy3w with out flashing the computer

asked by: Ken

Expert Reply:

To install an aftermarket brake controller on a 2018 Ram 2500 that has the factory integrated controller you will have to disconnect the ITBM (Integrated Trailer Brake Module) and have the computer reprogrammed. Unplugging the IBC will turn on a warning lamp on the instrument cluster. 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 such as the Tekonsha # 3024-P, to install the Prodigy P3 part # 90195.

To disconnect the ITBM, you or the dealer will need to contact the 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. Basically the computer needs to be told that the truck does not have a brake controller so you can unplug it without getting that warning light.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jack M.

9/22/2025

Jameson, I have THE SAME exact truck in question aI have been having issues with my trailer brake module not wanting to stop my 5th wheel trailer I recently installed the prodigy P3 with suppled harness I unplugged the 4 pin plug from item and plugged in prodigy I have no lights or warning lights however issue is with brakes applied I’m only getting Like 7.3 volts that the same voltage I had before with factory module. I reviewed same of your tech articles but there’s so wrong! I hade factory module sent to heavy braking and maxed out with very little braking action, I thought the Takisha was supposed to cure this issue? I replaced all the brakes (two axle) with two new drums brakes are self adjusting, bought em on Amazon look identical to what came off . Really lost her I hope I don’t have to hard wire the old way . Any Ideas ?????.. Thanks Jack

Jameson C.

9/22/2025

@JackM So with the output maxed on the P3 you are only seeing 7.3 volts?

Jack M.

9/23/2025

Correct. When applying the trailer brake manually, I am only seeing 6.7 volts! However, I still don't see any lights on the dashboard. This is so puzzling. Any Ideas

Jameson C.

9/23/2025

@JackM The P3 won't show anything on the dash of your truck as it has essentially bypassed all of that. If the P3 is set at it's max output setting and with override lever slid all the way it only gets to 6.7 volts the controller is bad.

See All (23) Replies to Jack M. ∨

Jack M.

10/8/2025

Please respond to my last email. Controller not working? No programming needed! I need assistance

Jameson C.

10/8/2025

@JackM I just saw the email you sent: Jameson, update I recently completed a 40-mile round trip semi vacation with my 5th wheel so far, no lights on the dash as far as trailer symbols go so, I believe that's not an issue! However, the braking issue still exists I have the controller sets at three and the Manuel brake control set at max! still little to NO brake action I felt the brake drums at the end of both trips and all four were cool to the touch! I'm at a loss here, I have tried calling Tekonsha to no avail I left seven unreturned messages, spent hours on hold. At this point I can no longer believe etrailer tech support or Tekonsha. I believe I was sold something on false pretenses with no support. I could have bought something from one of those crappy companies on Ebay with no support. at this point is it possible to return this item for my money back? As I stated before all brakes are new and there's nothing wrong with the wiring! Is the controller sitting level from side to side and facing the rear of the vehicle squarely? Those two things have to happen for the controller to function properly.

Jack

10/9/2025

@JamesonC No, it's at an angle like the instructions show also, I have tried to contact Tekonsha to no avail, I spent hours on hold, left seven unreturned messages, nothing, no support I reviewed the trailer schematic that was posted. It shows the brake grounded to the frame individually; all mine go back to a junction box, two wires run to each axle, so all grounds go back to one point, then the seven-way cable. hate to keep going on, but something is really wrong here.

Jameson C.

10/9/2025

@Jack The brake controller could be bad if it will only output up to 7 volts when set to max. It's unusual for the P3 to have this issue as it's normally rock solid but anything is possible. Only other thing I can think of is the wiring on trailer for the brake output circuit is too thin to carry all of the current which is limiting voltage. Or it could also be that the assemblies are out of adjustment.