Troubleshooting Factory Brake Controller of 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 Not Showing Voltage on 7-Way

Question:

I have a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 with factory tow package. All of the lights on the trailer work properly. The electric trailer brakes do not work at all. I have the factory controller set to max 10 and nothing. I’ve tested the plug on the truck using the bottom left as a negative and bottom right which should be close to 12 volts with the pedal pushed or controller manually activated to 100. I get nothing on my voltmeter. I’ve checked fuses F11, F28, F29 and F30 all of which are good visually and with ohm meter. What else do I try?

asked by: Jason H

Expert Reply:

Your problem could be as simple to fix as cleaning the pins on the 7-way of the trailer and truck. It's very common that corrosion or dirt prevents the brake controller output circuit from making a solid connection and preventing the controller from being able to work. Also, volt meters typically don't put enough of a draw on a brake controller circuit for it to register as a trailer being connected and allow it to work properly. Try cleaning the pin of the connector and then inspecting the backs of the connectors as well looking for any cut or exposed wire and fix as needed.

I also attached a link to a page that has more troubleshooting tips for brake controllers as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C