Installing Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller, 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 with Factory Brake Controller
Question:
The factory installed integrated brake controller on my 2010 Ram 3500 will be replaced by a MaxBrake controller. Can I simply unplug the factory model and plug in the MaxBrake model without harming the EIC or truck computer? I have tried to disconnect the factory controller by pulling out BOTH wiring plugs controller harness and EIC harness but get a fault message saying to service the trailer brake system immediately. Will this fault message go away when I install the MaxBrake controller?
asked by: D. M
Expert Reply:
I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha about installing an aftermarket brake controller on a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 with factory installed brake controller. He stated that you will get that error message and you will not be able to clear it. It is indicating that something is wrong with the factory unit and will remain as long as the factory unit is disconnected. It will not impact an aftermarket brake controller when installed, the aftermarket unit should still work properly.
Since there is no way to clear the code, what some people have done was to wire a completely new additional 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle and hardwire the aftermarket brake controller to it. This way, you still have the factory unit installed, you will not get an error message, and you can use an aftermarket controller. Just be sure to plug the trailer into the 7-Way you added to use the aftermarket controller.
To hardwire an aftermarket controller and separate 7-Way, you will need a couple of items. First, you will need to install a separate 4-Way, # 119178KIT. I have included a link below to a video showing a typical installation.
Next, you will need a 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. The previously installed 4-Way will plug into the back of the ETBC7 leaving 4 wires to hardwire. The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The yellow (or purple) wire can be connected to the reverse light circuit behind one of the taillights (if needed). The black wire will connect to the positive battery terminal via a 40-amp circuit breaker. And the blue wire will connect to the brake controller blue wire.
Once those connections are made, route the black power wire on the brake controller through the fire wall to the positive battery terminal via a 20- or 30-amp circuit breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use). Next, route the white wire through the fire wall and connect to negative battery terminal. There will be extra wire left over in the kit to make the connections. Last, use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to find the wire on the brake switch that carriers a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. Attach that wire to the brake controller red wire.
Test the brake controller and installation will be complete. I have included a link below that explains installing a brake controller from scratch that should help with this installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 1-1/2 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 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
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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