Troubleshooting PowerTrac Controller Not Sensing Brake Pedal on 2013 Ram 1500

Question:

I have a newly installed POD time delayed brake controller (Tekonsha PowerTrac 39523) on my 2013 Ram 1500 and a trailer with new electric trailer brakes. The vehicle has a tow package with a 7 pin female connector at the rear. Wiring to the trailer is via a male 6 pin connector with a 7 pin adapter to the vehicle. Controller is connected to the vehicle wiring near the brake pedal with a wiring harness as pictured. Should be plug and play connections with this equipment I thought. The controller will activate the trailer brakes when the slide switch is used, but applying the vehicle brake pedal will not activate the brakes. Any ideas what might be the problem? Thanks,

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Your 2013 Ram 1500 should have 2 plugs that you would use the Adapter # 3023-P to connect the Tekonsha PowerTrac # 39523. If you didn't use the adapter for the installation then it makes sense that your trailer brakes are only working when you use the manual override.

If you check out the attached installation video of the Tekonsha P3 # 90195 and the Adapter # 3023-P on a similar 2013 Ram you can see how the red wire from the adapter connects to a separate 2 pin plug that is right above the brake pedal. This is what tells your brake controller that the brake pedal is being pressed so if you didn't tap into that your brake controller has no idea that the pedal is pressed.

If you already spliced the wiring in under the driver's side of your pickup then you should be able to just connect the red wire from the controller to that wire with the plug and that should take care of your problem. If you didn't already do some splicing then I highly recommend getting the adapter as it allows you to easily swap out brake controllers if you plan on doing so in the future.

I have also attached 2 pictures from the instructions for the adapter that show where the 2 plugs are under your dach.