Troubleshooting Brake Controller NC Code on 2011 Ram 1500 with Factory 7-Way

Published 03/17/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2159)

$90.04

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

(213)

$17.53

10 Gauge Wire - Red Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.58

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5

(1104)

$8.13

Question:

Hi I have a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 with the trailer tow package. After connecting the trailer to my truck with the 7 pin connector all the lights work properly. So I tried to install this brake controller with the wiring adapter TK90160 and 3021-P. The brake controller flashes the NC then goes to the 2 led dots like the manual says if there is not a connection. The only problem is the trailer is connected. So its not recognizing the trailer is hooked up. How would I determine if the problem is the controller, the adapter or if its my truck. I have never had a problem with this trailer when I pulled it with a different truck or controller. Any advice on how to test this or how to figure out the problem?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 and Wiring Adapter # 3021-P are the correct parts for your 2011 Ram 1500 so if you have the factory 7-Way then the problem you're having tells me the wire sending power from the brake controller back to your 7-Way is damaged somewhere. To verify the Primus IQ is sending power you'll want to use a circuit tester and make sure there is power about 6" back on that blue wire when you use the manual override.

If you don't see power then either the wiring harness or the Primus IQ are bad and need to be replaced.

If you do see power then your factory wiring is damaged and you need to run 10 Gauge Wire # DW02508-1 from the brake controller back to the 7-Way to bypass your factory wiring. I recommend using heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 to do so.

Attached is a link to an installation video of this on a 2016 Ram pickup as well as a diagram of your 7-Way so you know where to connect that power wire.