After Installing Brake Controller in 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 the ABS Light Comes On

Updated 02/20/2014 | Published 02/19/2014

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Question:

I bought a controller from etrailer and installed it in my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. I picked up the hot brake wire from under the drivers side wheel well, and the trailer brakes work, but the ABS Brake Light on the truck comes on. What could be the problem?

asked by: Mike B

Expert Reply:

When hardwiring in a brake controller you need to attach the controller red wire to the cold side of the brake switch. There are several wires that go to the brake switch. You need the one that only shows power when you step on the brake pedal and not at any other time (such as if the headlights are on or turn signals engaged).

On a 2003 Ram this should be a blue wire with a white stripe or a white wire with a tan stripe. To be sure, use a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 to test the wires and make sure you are connected to the one that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If connected to the wrong wire, the controller can send power down the red wire (depending on the controller) to illuminate the vehicle brake lights when the manual override is used, and this could be causing the ABS light to come on.

If your 2003 Ram came with a factory installed 7-Way and you are using the Hopkins brake controller then you should use the wiring harness # HM47755 which just plugs into the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H