Troubleshooting No Power to Trailer Brake Controller or 12 Volt on 7-Way

Question:

Hi I have a 2002 ram 3500. I’ve got no 12v power to my brake controller but power to the brake signal wire. I also seem to have no power to 12v at plug on rear of truck either. Checked wires at plug all good. Not sure how to trace it back any further than I have or to find out where either circuit gets its power. Also wondering if the 2 are connected. Breakaway system battery also dead and not charging I’m assuming cuz no power at my plug to charge it. Not sure if that would affect brake controller either. Would appreciate any help thank you

asked by: Chance

Expert Reply:

The wiring for the 7-way on your 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 and a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 are separate. However, if you aren't getting power to your 7-way, that does explain why the breakaway system is not charging.

For the brake controller you need to ensure the 12 volt wire is properly connected to your battery through a circuit breaker. Make sure the wire isn't crimped or somehow damaged and use Circuit Tester # PTW2979 to verify you are getting power.

In regards to the 7-way not getting power, that is likely a blown fuse, you will want to check your version of the owner's manual to verify the fuse for your 7-way and replace as needed. What a lot of people do in order to circumvent this issue is simply run their own wire to their 7-way with 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 through Circuit Breaker # 9510 to the positive post of your Ram's battery.

I have added a link to a help article on brake controller troubleshooting which I also recommend checking out.