Solution for Brake Controller Power Circuit in 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Not Having Power
Question:
I bought a used 2012 Ram 3500 and it had an OEM style Trailer Brake Controller installed TBC. The TBC was not installed from the factory. The first time we hooked up the brakes worked for about 10 min then failed and the OEM TBC was dead with no power getting to it. The electronic vehicle information center does not show that the TBC was ever there. There is nothing in the menu about a light or heavy trailer setting, which there was on my other 2012 Ram 3500 that had a factory installed TBC. I have checked all the fuses in the power distribution center and they all check for continuity. I purchased a Tekonsha P3 and the 3021P because of the reviews on your web site, but Im not getting power to the P3 or the thru the 3021P pigtail thru factory connection. is it possible to find out if there are any relays or other fuses involved? I have no interest in using the OEM TBC and want to use the P3, but I sure was hoping to be able to connect to the OEM harness and not have to run a new harness. All other trailer lights are functioning as they should..turn signals, brake lights, running lights and even the backup lights, just no brakes.
asked by: Don C
Expert Reply:
Sounds like either a brake controller fuse or relay was shorted out and now the entire factory power circuit for brake controllers on your truck is no longer in use. Since Dodge trucks of your year range have some interesting circuit protection setups (the dreaded TIPM), what I would do if I were in your situation is run the power wire for the controller separately to the vehicle battery so you can bypass that headache.
What you would want to do is run a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot) to the positive post of the battery with a breaker like part # 9510 and you'd be set.
Products Referenced in This Question
40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 40 Amp
- Pollak
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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 >
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