Trailer Brakes Do Not Work On 2016 Ram 1500 With New Brake Controller Install

Question:

I put a Reese pilot break on my 2016 ram 1500 break lights work but the breaks don’t does it have to be programmed or maybe a ground wire added

asked by: Charlie

Expert Reply:

If you are using the a Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3024-P with the Pilot Brake Electronic Brake Controller part # 80550 on your 2016 Ram 1500 then you will not need to run any other wires. I suspect the brake controller is bad.

In order to test a brake controller you will first need to turn the power settings up to max, usually with a knob or buttons on the exterior of the unit. Once you have power at the max settings have a friend apply the manual override which is usually a bar or button on the exterior of the unit and then test the 1 o'clock pin on the 7-way. If you don't get 12 volts then you need to check your wiring. If the wiring checks out then sever the blue wire behind the controller and test for power here. If you don't get 12 volts then the brake controller needs replaced.

expert reply by: Conner L