Troubleshooting "Check Trailer Brakes" Message on 2017 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

I have a fifth wheel camper and I pull it with a 17 Dodge 2500. Trailer brakes come integrated into the bed and the dash board of the truck. My problem Im having is every so often I get a message on my truck that says check trailer brakes or check trailer wiring and once it even said service trailer brakes. They work but every so often it will give me this message and once when it said trailer brakes disconnected and the brakes on the camper didnt work at all for a minute. Im not sure what to do because I cant get this figured out and I dont need my brakes not working pulling this heavy of a load.

asked by: Andy S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Most likely you just need to clean the pins of your 7-ways and the error message will go away. It's very common for a bit of corrosion on the connectors to cause an intermittent trailer connection which is what is causing the error message you are seeing.

I also attached a couple help articles on troubleshooting brake controllers and brake magnets if that does not take care of the problem.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Kris C.

7/6/2020

I'm having the same issue what should I do

Chris R.

7/10/2020

This error message almost always has to do with the brake output circuit on the truck. If you already cleaned out the 7-Way pins as mentioned above, your next step is to just try and inspect this particular circuit wire. You should be able to access a small portion of it directly behind the 7-Way - look for any pinched or damaged areas - but otherwise your best bet is to probably take it up to a local dealer.

Kris C.

7/12/2020

@ChrisR I put a new wiring harness on the truck the other day and it still doing it

Chris R.

7/16/2020

@KrisC The issue could be further up the truck (the brake output wire extends from the 7-Way all the way up to the dash). Because this is factory wiring though it'll be pretty tough to access. Your best option at this point may be to bring the truck up to a local dealer to have them take a look.