Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Displays 'Trailer Not Connected' Error Message
Question:
Dodge installed the brake controller under the dash panel. When I connect the plug to my truck and go to trailer tow options to program I get Brakes Not Connected Do I have to drive the truck with trailer and brake for the brakes to get connected?
asked by: Ramona
Expert Reply:
If you are getting the error message "Trailer Not Connected" when using the Prodigy P3 # 90195 trailer brake controller there are several potential causes. You should only need to have the trailer plugged in to avoid seeing this message; it should not be necessary to drive for the electrical brake circuit connection to be made.
Common causes for this message often include corrosion on the contacts in either/both the vehicle and trailer connectors; check all the pins for any signs of discoloration, especially the pin at the 5-o-clock position as shown in the linked photo. Even slight greenish or whitish discoloration can indicate corrosion that can interfere with the electrical connection between the brake controller and the trailer brake magnets.
Another potential cause is a break in the output circuit blue wire that carries the controller's output signal to the trailer. A short against the trailer frame or a broken wire can prevent completion of the output circuit.
Also a bad ground on one of the brake magnets could also prevent completing the circuit so you can check that all the bake magnets' ground wires are solidly affixed to a clean bare metal spot on the trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Progressive Dynamics Replacement Section for AC/DC Power Distribution Panel - 55 Amp
- Shop: Go Power RV Converter and Smart Battery Charger - 12V - 35 Amp
- Shop: Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Says It's Not Connected to Trailer
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Trailer Connected Issue with Factory Integrated Brake Controller
- Shop: 4" Wide Continuous Hinge - 6' Long - 3/8" Pin Diameter - Steel
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Replacement Cap Plug for Demco 5th Wheel Hitch Installation Kit
- Shop: Replacement Magnet Kit for 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Q&A: Ford Trailer Brake Controller Shows Trailer Disconnected Message on One Trailer and Not on Another
- Q&A: Trailer Disconnected Error Message
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Ford F-350 Trailer Brake Controller Not Registering
- Q&A: All Lights Work But Trailer Showing Not Connected on 2013 Ram 3500 with Factory Brake Controller
- Video: Trailer Hub Inspection Demonstration
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes - Replacement Magnet - BP01-225
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Super Duty Truck (2005-2007)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: Will a Dead Battery on a Breakaway Kit Cause the Vehicle to Not Be Able to Operate Trailer Brakes
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Redline Trailer Brakes BP01-180 Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring