Brake Controller Intermittently Reads 'Trailer Disconnected' After Brake Job

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Question:

Hello I have a problem. Intermittently my truck will display a check trailer brake wiring or trailer brake disconnected message. I have replaced the receptacle on my truck and the 7 pin plug from the trailer. Funny thing is it never did this until I had a brake job done on the trailer. Could be coincidence I guess. Truck is 2018 ram 2500 and trailer is 2018 genesis toy hauler. Going to crawl underneath and check some wires and other stuff but I would appreciate any help or pointers I could get

asked by: Josh

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Expert Reply:

A trailer brake controller sends a small amount of voltage back to the trailer brakes to check for resistance, to confirm that the trailer brakes are present and the trailer is connected. If something interrupts the connection between the brake contorller and the trailer brake magnets, you'll get a 'trailer disconnected' or 'check trailer brake wiring' message.

Start with the trailer connector on the vehicle, ensure it's not damaged or corroded which would prevent or reduce voltage from reaching the trailer brake magnets. You'll want to check the connector on the trailer for the same thing as well. If the trailer connectors check out okay, then trace the trailer brake output circuit from the trailer connector back to the trailer brakes. Look for loose connections or broken wires. Check the connections where the brake magnets attach to the brake output circuit. One lead from each magnet should have a secure connection to the trailer frame that is not corroded. The other brake magnet lead should attach to the brake output circuit. Make sure that connection is secure as well as the connection to the jumper running to the other brake assembly or assemblies.

Since you recently had brake work done, I'd guess that the connection at the brake magnets is your most likely issue. If you click the provided links, you can see some trailer braking and wiring troubleshooting articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Based on my research, the 023-326-00 number you found at the back of your existing brake assemblies refers to the Dexter 12 inch x 2 inch electric brake assembly that is designed for 6,000 pound axles and features a 5 bolt mounting flange pattern. If…

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Answer 2

Trailer brakes can definitely wear faster depending on the style of driving and the terrain, but that sounds like excessive wear. You should get way more than 3,000 miles out of a set of brakes. With your axles you must be using the 4,400 lb…

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Answer 3

For the drum what you are going to want to look at is discoloration where the pads make contact with the drum and the armature surface which is where the magnet makes contact with the inside of the drum. Discoloration means that the metal is damaged…

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Answer 4

After installing your Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller #TK90160 you should see the following two-digit display: n.c. which means "power to brake controller without trailer connected." This displays for 15 seconds then changes to…

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Answer 5

All the brake controller needs to sense a trailer connection so that you can test it is a slight amperage draw on the output circuit. For that you can use a circuit tester like the part #PTW2993 with one pin grounded and the other on the output pin.…

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Answer 6

Assuming that when you tested the resistance of the brakes you were testing the two wires on each magnet and getting 2.0 and 2.8 ohms the magnets on your trailer are not working correctly and will need to be replaced. For 7" brakes you should…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 9

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 11

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

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Answer 12

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Brake Controller Intermittently Reads 'Trailer Disconnected' After Brake Job

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