Does Flicker of Brake Output Circuit on Trailer Wiring Mean There's an Issue

Question:

Im using the POLLAK 12741EV tester on a 2013 RAM 2500 with factory brake controller and trailer wiring. Successfully pulled my trailer for 6 years. Recently the dashboard communications began reporting problems with the trailer brake connection. The POLLAK tester Brake indicator shows a flicker when installed. The truck reports No Trailer Connected. Running the manual lever to full on results in the same signal indication. Flicker The truck has been taken to the dealer and tested. No problems were found in the braking circuit. The trailer wiring indicates a low resistance on the brake wire which would seem to indicated the brakes are connected. Is the indicator flickering an indication of a normal output? Should it go full bright with full manual lever operation?

asked by: James W

Expert Reply:

The flicker you are seeing on the brake output circuit of your vehicle is normal. Brake controllers will lightly pulse their output circuit to check to see if a trailer is connected due to the amperage draw of the brake magnets.

So what this all tells me is that your issue is most likely on the trailer side of the equation. This can be as simple as corrosion on the pins of the trailer wiring connector or it could be damaged wire, bad brake magnets or the grounds of the assemblies having issues as well. You'd basically want to go over the entire circuit looking for any obvious signs of a short and fix as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C