Experiencing Low Voltage on Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510

Question:

I have a tekonsha voyager controller. I was wanting to know how many volts should be coming out of the controller on the blue wire side. I have 12v going into it but have only 2 volts coming out with the power knob turned clear up.

asked by: Billy B

Expert Reply:

A proportional brake controller senses when and how your tow vehicle brakes with an internal inertia-based sensor. This sensor responds to the deceleration of your tow vehicle as you brake by signaling the controller to send out enough power to your trailer brakes so that they are activated with an intensity that matches. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. If you are getting the 2 volt reading when the brake pedal is pressed, this is a result of the trailer brakes requiring very minimal power and the controller has responded accordingly.

If the 2 volt reading occurs when using the manual override on the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller, # 39510, this could be caused by an insufficient ground. You will want to check to make sure that the ground wire for your 7-way and brake controller are secured to a clean, bare metal surface or appropriate ground stud on your 2006 Dodge Ram.

The next step would be to check the blue wire to see if there is possibly a short. You will want to start by cutting the blue wire about 6 inches behind the brake controller. Test the wire that is coming out of the brake controller, if it reads 12 volts then there is an issue with the blue wire and you will need to trace the wire back to the 7-way connector to locate the problem. If you are still receiving 2 volts, there is an issue with the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

I have attached an article which covers testing brake controllers.

expert reply by: Leah S