Trailer Brake Controller Issue

We had the same results they checked the computer to make sure it was programed right, check all the lights, checked all the wiring replaced the factory in dash brake controller twice with brand new ones, replaced the pigtails under the truck twice, we replaced the 7 pin connector, checked everything 4 different mechanic could think of, brought the pod into the ford dealership twice on the second time, they found crack/break in one of the trailer brake wires. said something about may a rock or something hit it and didn't break it all the way then with hitting a pothole or something along the interstate it finally went. it would do an alert saying trailer disconnected, would stop and check and the 7 pin connector was connected, the lights worked the directionals worked but the trailer brake would not work.

Originally posted by mcarter GlueGuy, That concept may work fine for a Ford system that senses a light connection, for those of us without that, the blue wire the brake controller tells you when a trailer is connected and monitors power draw of the brake. Granted not familiar with Dodge, but my Chevy could care less about a flat 4 with no brake controller input.

He's talking about 2017 Dodge. That's not exactly an "antique". Our truck is 3 years old. Certainly not an antique, but older technology (or at least I would think so). I just think a year old truck would sense a trailer by something other than the brakes. Not all trailers have brakes.

GlueGuy,

That concept may work fine for a Ford system that senses a light connection, for those of us without that, the blue wire the brake controller tells you when a trailer is connected and monitors power draw of the brake. Granted not familiar with Dodge, but my Chevy could care less about a flat 4 with no brake controller input.

Here's a concept. Put an adapter on the trailer and plug it into the 4-pin on your truck. If I did that, the truck would announce "Trailer Connected". Nothing to do with the brakes.

A likely cause is corrosion.  Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of green patina on the contacts in the Bargman and/or the trailer connector.  Scraping with a thin knife blade or maybe just a squirt or two of dielectric grease or WD-40 and working the plug int and out of the socket a few times.

It good be any of the things others have mentioned, but I'd sure start with the simple stuff first.

If it's working now I think you should check/clean/grease the contacts and wait to see if this happens again before doing anything else.

TT