Verifying OEM trailer brake controller output voltage

[aanorm69]

I am trying to verify that my 2014 Longhorns trailer brake controller is in fact putting out the requisite 2-12 vdc. When I connect a volt meter between to neutral and brake output pin it fluctuates between 1.0 and 1.2 volts. It doesn't matter if I apply the brakes or if I manually move the paddle to the left. What is the best way to verify I am getting a changing voltage at the truck connector? Thanks

 

[AFMoulton]

I am trying to verify that my 2014 Longhorns trailer brake controller is in fact putting out the requisite 2-12 vdc. When I connect a volt meter between to neutral and brake output pin it fluctuates between 1.0 and 1.2 volts. It doesn't matter if I apply the brakes or if I manually move the paddle to the left. What is the best way to verify I am getting a changing voltage at the truck connector? Thanks

You need a special tester. There is a thread about this issue on here, and there was a TSB, and a reprogram fix that has seemed to work. Let me see if I can find the thread


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40
2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[rcmedic]

Does anybody know if it is standard practice for FCA/Dealership to charge $76 to reprogram the trailer brake controller to make it work properly?

 

[Hootbro]

Does anybody know if it is standard practice for FCA/Dealership to charge $76 to reprogram the trailer brake controller to make it work properly?

Since it is a TSB and not a recall, that charge would not be unheard of if you are outside the 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty.

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/brake-controller.71708/

 

[BossHogg]

I am trying to verify that my 2014 Longhorns trailer brake controller is in fact putting out the requisite 2-12 vdc. When I connect a volt meter between to neutral and brake output pin it fluctuates between 1.0 and 1.2 volts. It doesn't matter if I apply the brakes or if I manually move the paddle to the left. What is the best way to verify I am getting a changing voltage at the truck connector? Thanks

Best way to test the ITBM is to connect a trailer and see if the trailer's brakes engage.

The brake controller doesn't output DC power, it provides a modulated power stream consisting of on/off pulses. The more on-time pulses equates to more output power. Google "PWM" for an in-depth understanding. The brake controller will not provide any output unless a trailer is connected. The controller senses the brake line or an inductive load to determine if trailer brakes are connected.

 

[AFMoulton]

Does anybody know if it is standard practice for FCA/Dealership to charge $76 to reprogram the trailer brake controller to make it work properly?

Cost me 155 at my dealer to do it. So I’d say 76 is a good deal.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper Stt MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Cardhu]

If its working, it might not be displaying on your meter because the meter isn't fast enough to see the pulses. If you have a fancy one, put it on VDC PP (peak to peak) and hold on max.