Factory Brake Controller in 2011 Dodge Ram Shows Short and Low Voltage

Question:

had all new brakes installed last year. jack the trailer off the ground and pull the breakaway pin and all 4 wheels lock up. so need to know if there could still be a short in the brakes? there is very low voltage at the back of the truck plug for the brakes but all other lights work, just no brakes. not sure where to check voltage at the brake controller as there is no blue wire to check.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

With the trailer wheels off the ground it is very easy to stop them and the breakaway battery should be providing a full 12 volts to the brakes so the issue is likely on the truck side. Make sure both the truck and trailer side connectors are clean and free corrosion inside where the wires attach and outside on the pins.

The factory brake controller does have the output wire at the back of it but if you can't get to it then you will have to just check for voltage at the trailer connector. Make sure the brake controller is set to the maximum output and have someone apply the manual override on full while you are testing. You should be getting 12 volts or so. If it still shows low voltage then a Dodge dealer is going to have to determine the issue. If you do get full voltage then the issue is on the trailer.

Make sure all the wiring is intact and not pinched or damaged. The ground wires should be connected to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. And make sure the brakes are adjusted properly. There should be a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drum when the wheel is turned.

expert reply by: Michael H