Does 2012 Ram 1500 With Factory Brake Controller Need to be Flashed to use Aftermarket Controller

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Question:

I have a factory integrated brake controller that was installed in 2012 Ram and has worked fine up until last March dont use i much in the summer . It started having a trailer disconnected message on the dash intermittently. After more closely monitoring it I notice a few consistencies. PS I did try using the trailer on another Ram truck with a factory controller and the trailer had no disconnect issues. First thing I noticed was that the disconnect message mostly appeared while stopped or going very slow. Second was as i increased speed to 25-35 mph the disconnect message went away. Third the message would reappear after coming to a stop and remaining stopped for approximately a minute or more. If I was to install an aftermarket controller I assume I would have to have the truck flashed to remove the controller ?

asked by: Mark N

0

Expert Reply:

With one exception, you will need to see your local Ram dealer to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) on your 2012 Ram 1500 to install an aftermarket brake controller. The exception is the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, which will override the factory controller so you can just plug it right in without any other necessary steps. Otherwise, if you were to use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 or Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 with Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3021-P (required for both controllers) you would need to go see your Ram dealer.

An aftermarket controller really is the best option as they are far more reliable and outperform factory brake controllers so I highly recommend going that route, particularly with the Echo. Your factory brake controller is also not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes if you ever get a trailer with that braking system or decide to upgrade to EOH brakes.

In regards to the issues you are having with your factory controller, it sounds like the issue is the wiring on your truck or your Ram 7-way connector because you (wisely) tried the trailer on another truck and didn't have any issues. There may be a short somewhere on the truck's wiring or the connector may be damaged and you can replace it with Replacement 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector # A10-7072VP. I have added links to video reviews and a help article on aftermarket brake controllers for your generation of Ram trucks to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. I attached a picture that shows what it looks like. I also attached installation instructions for the Tekonsha…

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Answer 2

So, by looking at your picture and comparing it to harness #3021-P for a 2012 Ram 1500 it looks like the pink /white wire is ground, green/black is 12-volt power in, yellow/red is output to the trailer brakes, and green is input from the brake…

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Answer 3

To replace your Iota IDP-240 you'll want to use the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center with AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger #PD4560K18LS8. This panel is rated for 50 amp service, can provide both 120v/240v and is compatible with…

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Answer 4

I have attached for you below an excerpt from the manual on the Curt TriFlex Trailer Brake Controller part #C24VV which goes over the brightness settings. Please let me know if you have any other questions. "Slowly tilt the front of the TriFlex…

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Answer 5

I did some research based off the information you gave me, I have linked some items below: **Progressive Dynamics Pure Sine Wave Inverter w/ Transfer Switch - Remote - 2,000 Watts - 12V #PD64FR. *Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger -…

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Answer 6

There are a few differences between the two controllers. The Voyager has been around for a looooooooong time. It uses an internal pendulum to determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. In order to operate correctly, this level of the pendulum…

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Answer 7

Since your 2023 Chevy Trailblazer has a 4-way already, what you'll need to do for electric trailer brakes is add a 7-way, which you can get with the following: - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller #ETBC7 You'll plug the…

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Answer 8

When your trailer is unplugged from truck there should be no voltage on the brake output circuit of the trailer. If there is that would indicate that a breakaway system is being activated and should be addressed. If your brake controller is telling…

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Answer 9

It looks like you have the original version of the Prodigy RF, part 902501, which was updated to the newer version of the Prodigy RF TK94FR (also known as part 902502). The replacement controller #TK27FR you're looking at is for the newer model…

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Does 2012 Ram 1500 With Factory Brake Controller Need to be Flashed to use Aftermarket Controller

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