Troubleshooting Disconnected Trailer Alert on 2 Different Brake Controllers

Question:

I purchased a new 18 foot tandem axle trailer two years ago to be able to haul around my Long 460DT whenever I needed to. I had started noticing an E2 error code appear on the brake controller in my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 when I stepped on the brakes. The brakes would work at first and then release and show the error code. I thought it must be the brake controller gone bad until, I made a 480 mile round trip with the trailer, less my tractor, in my 2015 RAM 1500. It has the manufacturer installed brake controller and with the same symptoms, I kept getting a message that the trailer could not be detected or check the maintenance on the trailer. Now, I have traced every wire on the trailer back to the electric brakes hubs and can find nothing out of order. I even made a new ground connection ensuring no broken wire or the presence of paint can cause a no-ground condition. The trailer has good ground because the brakes activate and the lights work well with only the 7-pin connector plugged into the outlet on the truck. I must mention that the brakes hold steady sitting still and if you lightly apply while in motion. If you normally apply the brakes in motion or if you apply them sternly in motion, the brakes activate and start slowing the trailer and then release with the error code or message appearing, depending on which truck Im driving.

asked by: Guy S

Expert Reply:

You said that you traced all of the wiring on your trailer and that it all looks good including all of your grounds. If this is the case then the only other thing that comes to mind is to check the actual 7-Way connector on your trailer. Look for any corrosion or debris and clean out accordingly. Also apply some dielectric grease like part # 11755 to help protect it from future corrosion and rust.

If all of that looks good too then I recommend taking it to a trailer shop and have them inspect the wiring too. Sometimes it helps just to get a fresh set of eyes that is used to looking at wiring issues. I wish I had more advice to offer but if you truly did inspect your wiring and checked all of your ground to make sure they are connected to a clean, bare-metal surface then there isn't much more that can be done aside from someone else physically inspecting your setup.

expert reply by: Jon G