Troubleshooting Tekonsha Voyager that Does not Apply Trailer Brakes Unless Manual Override is Used

Question:

I have had this brake controler for 3 maybe 4 years and have had no problems with it untill yesterday. The controler...voyager...doesnt work when I try to brake...I can get it to work with the slide lever but this is the only way to get it to work. What is wrong with it ??

asked by: Donald

Expert Reply:

There are a few things that can be checked fairly easily. The first is the inertia sensor. Inside the Voyager is a little pendulum that swings according to your braking, just like when you are pushed forward into your seat belt when you brake hard. This sensor reads how hard you are braking and sends the appropriate level of braking power to the trailer. The knob on the left hand side is the sensor level knob. It maye need to be adjusted if it got bumped.

The power or gain knob on the right hand side of the controller may also be off. If backed down too low, it will never send enough power to engage the brakes until you use the manual override and slide it to full power.

I have added a link to a video below, from Tekonsha, that shows install and setup for the controller. I would check the level and power settings first to make sure nothing got bumped or moved.

It could also be the brake signal. If something is wrong on the red wire from the brake controller or anywhere along that circuit, the brake controller may not know when you apply the foot brake and it will not send power. Check this wire, look for breaks, frays or nicks and any corrosion at any of the connections.

expert reply by: Patrick B