Ram integrated brake control
So we have our new 2016 3500 Ram Turbo diesel and we are wondering how many other Ram owners are having this issue. We picked up our trailer the other day and when using the brakes it feels as i...
Forum Discussion
Regarding OtrFuns question regarding his multimeter readings, they're pretty much what I would expect to see. When it comes to AC, or pulsed dc, most meters don't display peak, or peak to peak voltage but instead display and "average" value (Oversimplified I know). The IBC uses Pulse width modulation to vary voltage, which has the same effect with simple circuits like electromagnets as what you would get with more traditional analog control. It's cheaper and easier to do with solid state devices especially because of heat generation type issues. With the Ram IBC the voltage is either 12vdc or 0, and the current varies in the same way. However, the effective current based on pulse frequency, load filtering effects etc. ends providing the same effects as what you would get with steady voltage/current output type circuits.
Bottom line, while I carry a little pocket scope in my truck toolbox, and prefer to use it for circuits like this, the behavior of the circuits I've tested on my truck with my multimeter have given me the same results as I calculate I would get based on the scope.
Finally, if your truck is setup like mine with 2 seven pin connectors you can easily see what sort of signal you're sending to the brakes by building a harness to run up to the cab of the truck through the rear slide window. I built one, hooked it to the bumper trailer connector plug while my 5er was hooked to the bed and looked at what sort of voltage was being sent to the trailer real-time. (Current would be a little harder to measure while driving) I never saw the voltage increase close to 12vdc even when traveling 45mph. I only tried a couple of times as hitting the brakes hard with the trailer on the back isn't all that fun, and not necessarily good for the equipment.
Bottom line, while I carry a little pocket scope in my truck toolbox, and prefer to use it for circuits like this, the behavior of the circuits I've tested on my truck with my multimeter have given me the same results as I calculate I would get based on the scope.
Finally, if your truck is setup like mine with 2 seven pin connectors you can easily see what sort of signal you're sending to the brakes by building a harness to run up to the cab of the truck through the rear slide window. I built one, hooked it to the bumper trailer connector plug while my 5er was hooked to the bed and looked at what sort of voltage was being sent to the trailer real-time. (Current would be a little harder to measure while driving) I never saw the voltage increase close to 12vdc even when traveling 45mph. I only tried a couple of times as hitting the brakes hard with the trailer on the back isn't all that fun, and not necessarily good for the equipment.
