Trailer Brake Controller on 2013 Ram 1500 Says Trailer is Not Connected when Trailer Is Connected  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The 2013 Ram 1500 was the first year for the new Powernet system used by Ram trucks. This new electrical system requires the use of a special brake controller harness, # 3023-P. Otherwise the brake controller will not receive the proper signal when you step on the brake pedal. However it should still work with the manual override. It may or may not recognize that the trailer is connected.

It could be as simple as a loose connection or dirty/corroded connector or even a problem with the brake magnets. There are some tests you can do to determine where the problem is. Start by first disconnecting the trailer.

In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override or brake pedal. If it shows power at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you

expert reply by: Michael H

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Kyle

2/5/2026

Ok I am having the same issue with the same truck. I have the Prodigy P2 break controller and it says N.C. when the truck is turned on even though trailer is connected. I also get the N.C. the same if the trailer is connected or not. Lights and brake lights all work but electric brake will not. I have asked the question earlier about what the resistor in the red wire is for as I found mine blowen. I cut it out and I now have continuity through the wire. I did the first test and have 12 volts when I pull the manual override but only 7.3 volts when I push the break peddle. I have also cleaned the connection points for the blue wire on both the truck and the trailer. You say to test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down. Would it not show power when the break is pushed also? I also tried a Tekonsha Voyager electric brake controller and it also did not work. the green light would come on but during the adjustment setup I could not get the light to turn yellow or light red. Just a note I have 2 trailers and it is the same on both. any other advice for this issue would be great.

Jameson C.

2/5/2026

@Kyle somehow the brake output circuit from the brake controller isn't making its way to the trailer connector. This is most likely due to a cut or damaged wire that you will have to be tracked down. Usually this is corrosion or a bent pin on the 7-way so that would be what I would normally recommend you check first but it does seem like you checked that already.

Kyle

2/6/2026

@JamesonC Thank you for your response. Can you tell me what the resistor or diode is for in the red wire. Thanks

Jameson C.

2/9/2026

@Kyle Its to prevent the stoplight circuit from backfeeding back on to the vehicle wiring if you pull the override lever of the brake controller.