Factory Brake Controller on 2012 Ram 3500 Will Not Work With EOH Brakes

Question:

Hi I have a 2012 ram 3500, and I also have my older 2005 ram 3500 with an aftermarket brake controller. Long story short when I hook up my 48foot boat trailer to my 2012, I set my gain to 0.0 and as soon as I hit the brake pedal the intergraded controller goes 10,20,30 instantly and locks up my trailer brakes. My trailer has electric over hydraulic brakes, and I set my dash to light EOH and it still goes 10,20,30 and locks up the tires. I can hook my 03 ram 3500 up and set the controller to 0.0 and hold the brakes and it sends zero voltage back to the brake pump. What could be wrong with the intergraded controller in my 2012? Can I unplug it and install an aftermarket one? The dodge dealer is over a week out and I cant have my truck sit there as i use it for hot shorting across country. Any info is greatly appreciated

asked by: Taylor M

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your factory brake controller on your 2012 Ram 3500 is at the end of it's life, or that it isn't compatible with an EOH brake configuration even though it is supposed to be.

One other thing you can do to double check, is to set the brake controller at 0.0 and have a buddy depress the brake pedal while you use a Circuit Tester, like part # 40376, to see what the voltage is for the brake controller on the 7-Way at the rear of your Ram. You will want to test the pin in the 5 O'Clock position on your 7-Way. If you are getting 12V then your brake controller definitely needs to be replaced with an aftermarket brake controller.

The brake controller that I recommend for you to use with your Ram is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This brake controller has an LCD screen which makes it easy to see during operation, plus it is one of the easiest brake controllers to install and operate. You can use the Wiring Adapter # 3021-P to install the P3. This will allow you to simply plug the brake controller into the connector that your factory brake controller is connected to. You might need to take your Ram to a dealer to have them reflash your system so that you don't get any error messages on your truck since the factory brake controller will no longer be connected.

I have attached an installation video of the Prodigy P3 being installed on a 2015 Ram 3500 for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G