Trailer brake warning on RAM

[Flashman]

I have a 2017 3500 and I get a check trailer brake warning when hooked up to my 5th wheel. I put another truck on the trailer and got the same warning. So the problem is in the trailer.

How does the truck know that the connection is not good? I thought the wire from the truck was an out put voltage. The lights (brake turn signal) on the trailer work fine.

[Flashman]

Fixed, I read the other thread on the subject and followed the advice and pinched the contact on the trailer cord that plugs into the truck and that fixed it. Nice to have it fixed I was in Mexico and had a long drive home.

[Fisherman]

Krusty wrote:
If you were to connect a test lamp to the brake circuit on your trucks 7-pin connector, you may notice a small quick flash every 30 seconds or so. That is your brake controller monitoring the circuit. It sends out a voltage and watches for a reference to ground on the circuit. If it doesn't see one, it knows the circuit is open and displays the warning message.

Good info, thanks.

[Krusty]

If you were to connect a test lamp to the brake circuit on your trucks 7-pin connector, you may notice a small quick flash every 30 seconds or so. That is your brake controller monitoring the circuit. It sends out a voltage and watches for a reference to ground on the circuit. If it doesn't see one, it knows the circuit is open and displays the warning message.

[Flashman]

Didn't use the grease but sprayed with cleaner. Remember a 2nd truck showed same problem.

[Thermoguy]

kellem wrote:
Put some dielectric grease on the 7-pin connection, start simple.

This worked for me as well.

[kellem]

Put some dielectric grease on the 7-pin connection, start simple.

[Flashman]

All exposed wires are good - its the buried ones that suck.

[SweetLou]

Fisherman wrote:
If the circuit to the trailer brakes is not complete, it will sense that and send the error message. If both trucks are giving the same result, lights work but brakes send a message, check to see that the break away cable and switch are working. Then do a continuity check of the trailer brake wires, from the 7 pin connector. Could be as simple as a broken off ground or power wire.

X2

[eHoefler]

I will sense an open circuit and a shorted circuit

[Learjet]

is it set to the proper setting in the menu...Electric brakes or EOH (Electric over Hydraulics)

[Lwiddis]

Consider cleaning your 7 pin connector. I decided to replace my OE connector and no problems since.

[Fisherman]

If the circuit to the trailer brakes is not complete, it will sense that and send the error message. If both trucks are giving the same result, lights work but brakes send a message, check to see that the break away cable and switch are working. Then do a continuity check of the trailer brake wires, from the 7 pin connector. Could be as simple as a broken off ground or power wire.