Troubleshooting Brakes on 2014 Eclipse Attitude Toy Hauler Towed by 2015 Ram 2500 Diesel
Question:
I have been havbing this issue for the last 3 times i pulled my trailer, i get a a warning text in the console saying to check brake wring , when that happens the brake controller get anable , the trailer sing comes up, and the trailer brakes don’t work, after few minutes it comes up again , it is on and off , Please advice what to do Thanks
asked by: Eddie F
Expert Reply:
The error message you're seeing on the dash display of your 2016 Ram 2500 results from something causing a disconnection of the trailer brake circuit. This could be something as simple as a bit of dirt or other foreign material trapped in the vehicle socket or trailer plug or it could result from physical damage to the brake circuit wiring from a hit from road debris.
It is easiest to test the vehicle and its brake controller by using another trailer that is known to function correctly. If you have a friend with a trailer that has electric brakes and can borrow it for a test this will help you determine if the issue you're having is on the trailer or within your truck's wiring. If the other trailer works fine then you know to focus your troubleshooting on your trailer. If the other trailer causes the same issue then it is more likely that the issue is on the Ram.
In either case you want to trace the wiring for the brake circuit. On the trailer check the brake circuit wire starting at the plug's contact (see photo please) all the way back to each brake assembly. Check for a bent pin, discoloration or corrosion on the contact pin, and for worn or damaged insulation on the brake wire, especially at points where that wire may make a sharp bend or where it could be contacting the trailer frame or other structures like the suspension. Repair or replace damaged brake circuit wire with # 10-1-1. Even a loose ground wire at the brakes could be the issue.
Repeat the check on the truck wiring, starting at the 7-way socket. Again check for a bent pin, discoloration/corrosion or damaged wire as far forward as you can access it.
If there are no issues found then the controller itself may be shot. It is quite common for owners to replace their OEM controller with a superior aftermarket unit like the Prodigy P2 # 90885. Aftermarket controllers often provide better reliability and more features than the built-in OEM units.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
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