Trailer Brake Controller on 2013 Ram 1500 Says Trailer is Not Connected when Trailer Is Connected

Question:

2013 dodge ram 1500 says trailer not connected but is. Lights and brake lights all work but electric brake will not. Not sure how to resolve this issue.

asked by: Josh B

Expert Reply:

The 2013 Ram 1500 was the first year for the new Powernet system used by Ram trucks. This new electrical system requires the use of a special brake controller harness, # 3023-P. Otherwise the brake controller will not receive the proper signal when you step on the brake pedal. However it should still work with the manual override. It may or may not recognize that the trailer is connected.

It could be as simple as a loose connection or dirty/corroded connector or even a problem with the brake magnets. There are some tests you can do to determine where the problem is. Start by first disconnecting the trailer.

In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override or brake pedal. If it shows power at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you