Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller Not Activating Trailer Brakes on 1998 Dodge Ram

Question:

Got the truck used with this system. Obviously not operational. Have gooseneck 3 axle now. the under dash unit plugs into a 4 lead connector at the main harness connection under the drivers dash. Where to now. Wile pulling the trailer home I had a light on the Voyager unit but no trailer brakes. can you provide info, instructions or diagram?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

I recommend testing your brake controller to determine if the controller is bad or if there is a wiring issue causing the problem on your 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup.

First be sure that when you are testing the trailer brakes with the brake pedal that the vehicle is moving. The trailer brakes will not apply with the brake pedal if the vehicle is not moving because of the proportional sensor.

Next, I would check the red wire that provides power to the brake controller when the brake pedal is pressed. Use a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, and make sure that there is power on the red wire when the brake pedal is pressed. If not, check the vehicle brake lights and third brake light, the fuse for the brake lights and/or third brake light may be blown, and you just have not realized it yet. If this is the case replacing the fuse should solve the problem.

Next, make sure that the brake controller power knob is not set to 0 and that the brake controller is installed between -20 and +70 degrees of level and that the level adjustment is properly set.

If those steps do not solve the issue, the next step is to test the power into the brake controller. You should have 12 volt power going into the brake controller on the black wire. You should also check to be sure that the brake controller is properly grounded. If you are unsure of the ground you can attach a ground wire to the white wire at the back of the controller and temporarily run it to the battery negative post for the best ground connection possible.

The blue wire is the output wire. If none of the above steps solves the issue, sever the blue wire 6 inches from the back of the brake controller, and perform a test on the brake controller to see if you get power when stopping with the brake pedal. If so there is a problem on the trailer side or at the vehicle and trailer connectors. If not, the brake controller is bad and will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Chris O