2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Trailer Brake Controller Short Troubleshooting

Question:

When the truck is unplugged from the trailer .Is there power to the electric brake peg? Will the peg only be powered by the trailer when it is plugged in. The truck is showing a code of the trailer has electric brake problems.I replaced the trailer male end because of corrosion, did not fix. I have continuity from the integrated brake module to the female plug on the truck so I know the wires are good. Can you help me out . Thanks

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

When your trailer is unplugged from truck there should be no voltage on the brake output circuit of the trailer. If there is that would indicate that a breakaway system is being activated and should be addressed.

If your brake controller is telling you there is a short on the brake output circuit when the trailer is connected that would indicate there is a short somewhere on the trailer's wiring since you said the truck side is good. Typically this is caused by cut or exposed wire on the circuit anywhere from the connector to the brake assemblies. Bad brake magnets can be at fault as well. I attached a help article on how to troubleshoot this as well.

I also attached a troubleshooting article on brake controllers.

expert reply by: Jameson C