2018 1500 Trailer Brake Controller Question

[Kwp503]

Hey guys. I just installed an aftermarket brake controller and got it activated with AlfaOBD. Everything seems to be working great. My question is…, is it normal for the trailer brake screen to pop up on the dash every time you hit the brakes when there is no trailer connected? If so, is there a way to deactivate that and have it only display when you are actually towing?

 

[turkeybird56]

The trailer brake system with the trail brake controller is active, whether there is a trailer connected or not.
If you have your display set to the trailer screen, every time you hit the brakes, you’re gonna see the system work and you’re gonna see it go to whatever percentage you have it set at

Now, if you have a different screen up and then every time you hit the brake, the trailer screen comes up and light up then there’s something wrong.

But I believe you are referring to it working when the screen is displayed and there’s no trailer connected in the evic and when you hit the brakes, it’s showing it being activated, which is what it is supposed to do regardless there’s a trailer hooked up or not. Because the system is active regardless.

 

[turkeybird56]

Unexpected brake controller messages

I recently installed an oem brake controller from a 2021 ram 1500 into my 2019 ram 1500. I activated the correct settings using alfaobd and see the tow page on the drivers dash and the tow setting on the uconnect setting page. My questions are: When I press on the brakes it shows trailer brake...

www.ramforum.com

Go to the above and read thread. I posted pics wat screen as in trailer screen you will see With no trailer connected post #7.

 

[Kwp503]

I see. There must be an issue then. On mine, the trailer screen is popping up anytime I hit the brakes while my dash is set to show my speed. I’ll redo the all the settings with AlfaOBD and if that doesn’t fix it, I’ll return the unit and bite the bullet to buy an OEM. Lesson learned…..

 

[Johnny Paycheck]

Why would you use Alfa for an aftermarket controller? It can’t handshake with the truck electronics like the factory version does.

Deactivate and that should solve that issue.

 

[Kwp503]

Not sure what you mean. Prior to enabling the setting with AlfaODB the truck didn’t even recognize that the controller was installed. It functions when I’m hooked up to a trailer, and all menu options are available. Having never had a Ram with the integrated controller I just wasn’t sure if the trailer screen popping up regardless of what setting I had the dash set to was normal or not.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Are you talking about aftermarket "OEM built in style" of something like a "Tekonsha hang on the dash" style?

Trailer brake screen popping up when brakes are applied, when, say a different screen is showing, and no trailer is connected is not a normal condition. Thank the after market controller for that.

Use an OEM controller and you won't see that condition.

 

[BossHogg]

Not sure what you mean. Prior to enabling the setting with AlfaODB the truck didn’t even recognize that the controller was installed. It functions when I’m hooked up to a trailer, and all menu options are available. Having never had a Ram with the integrated controller I just wasn’t sure if the trailer screen popping up regardless of what setting I had the dash set to was normal or not.

I think there is confusion due to the wording in your original post. You said, "I just installed an aftermarket brake controller and got it activated with AlfaOBD."

"After market" typically means a non-OEM controller; therefore, there is no need to activate an after-market brake controller. Only the factory brake controller is designed to integrate with the vehicle's electronics.

 

[Kwp503]

Got it. Sorry about that. And that is exactly what I mean. It was a non OEM integrated controller, not the dash mount style. Thanks for the responses gentleman. Just wanted to make sure that wasn’t “normal” behavior before I ripped it back out. Thanks again.

 

[turkeybird56]

Got it. Sorry about that. And that is exactly what I mean. It was a non OEM integrated controller, not the dash mount style. Thanks for the responses gentleman. Just wanted to make sure that wasn’t “normal” behavior before I ripped it back out. Thanks again.

Things always OEM: IMHO!!!!!
O2 Sensors (both up and down stream)
Brake Controllers (TT controls) (gives U full integration once installed and properly ECM flashed)
Coil parts

Sure there are a lot more, BUT above is my opinion only. BUT if U get O2 sensor issue, whateva U do, ONLY OEM.

Good Luck on yer issues ref TT controls.

ADDED: IF U do not have trailer screen displayed, and it pops up EVERYTIME you apply brakes, something not wired/crossed/not set up properly/incompatible, but definitely something not right.

 

[Kwp503]

I ordered OEM parts(module and switch) from a local dealer and got them installed. Prior to I reversed all the settings with AlfaOBD. After installing and then activating the Trailer present, trailer type and trailer name as well as setting the ITBM to enabled, the original issue I had went away. However, I am still having problems. On my radio, I have the trailer menu and options, all appearing to work as they should. On the dash, in the instrument cluster, I have the trailer menu and the gain can be adjusted with the buttons on the switch. If I apply the brakes, it does not show when the trailer menu is displayed. Also, if I slide the manual lever, I get the “Service Trailer Brake System” message. Any ideas?