2016 Ram 1500 WithTekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller No Activating Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may have a problem on the trailer side. You can do a process of elimination by testing the 7 pole plug on your 2016 Ram 1500. You need a regular test light, make sure it is not LED, have someone apply the brakes and test the brake output pin in the plug and power wire. If you are getting power then it's not the truck or the controller it is the trailer. You can also test your trailer on another vehicle.

Check your power and ground wires going back to your brakes. Make sure your ground is making good contact to the frame. You can always remove the screw holding the ground wire ring terminal to the frame, scrape the frame down to bare metal and reattach the ground. If there is any rust or corrosion under or around the ring terminal it can cause power loss.

If you are getting power on the truck side, plug the trailer into the truck and follow the power wire back to the brakes. Make sure the truck is on and probe the power wire with the test light. If you are getting power then it is most likely the magnets on the brakes that need to be replaced. If you are not getting power then it is the power wire or the plug on the trailer.

Also keep in mind if the brake controller is proportional, the vehicle has to be in motion for the brakes to work off the controller.

I recommend replacing the plug with Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard Item # H20046 and adding a Trailer Wiring Junction Box Item # 38656. The junction box makes it easier when having to do any wiring on the trailer side if there is a problem in the future.

expert reply by: Shane H

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