Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Remaining Locked Up After Pedal is Released on a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

Using a buddies dump trailer. Hooked it up. Couldn’t get brakes to release unless lights were turned off..figured it was just a ground issue since I haven’t pulled since last fall. Even when I have controller turned all the way down they still lock up as soon as I tap my brakes. Pretty much ruined a back tire just driving it 5 miles home. Stumped on what it would be. I own a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel and my buddy just pulled it yeserday with his 06 ram diesel with no issue supposedly.

asked by: Brett V

Expert Reply:

Since the trailer is working just fine with your buddy's pickup, we know that the problem is isolated to your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. What it sounds like to me is that you have a bad ground or some corrosion in the 7-Way connector on your pickup. Take a look at your 7-Way and clean out any debris or corrosion for starters. Once that is done it is beneficial to add some dielectric grease like part # 11755 to help protect against that happening again.

If the problem still persists after that then the next thing to check out is the wiring on your Ram. Take a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test the blue wire about 6" back from your brake controller. If this remains hot after taking your foot off of the brake pedal, then your brake controller is bad and needs to be replaced. I recommend the Primus IQ # TK90160 which is a very reliable controller in a decent price range.

If the blue wire doesn't remain hot, then the wiring is bad on your truck, and you need to test it. You will want to start at the back of your 7-Way and follow the wire that applies the trailer brakes. Look for any places where it might be damaged or bent and replace with 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5.