Constant Brake Output Power on the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller Part # 5504

Question:

My controller is putting power to brakes continuous the vehicle brake wire to controller is coming on and off but the blue wire is hot all the time. It does not raise numbers without the trailer connected but does put the decimal on when brake it applied but voltage on blue wire only changes .03 max it is 12.99 without brake pedal depressed and may only go up to 13.04 or so when depressed but not always. What kind of warranty is on this model? Or any suggestions are appreciated.

asked by: Wade

Expert Reply:

The problem you are experiencing with your Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504 is either caused by a short in the brake output wire (usually blue) or a fault in the controller. In order to test the controller, you are going to want to sever PTW2993. If there is continuity on the blue wire with the vehicle on and the brakes untouched, then the controller is bad, and it will need to be replaced. For this I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller part # TK90160 which applies braking power based on inertia from the tow vehicle and will work much better than the timed delay controller you have now.

If you do not have power on the blue wire once disconnected from the back of the controller, then you have a short. I recommend checking the brake output wire that runs from the controller to the 7-way for continuity with a circuit tester at intermittent points to see where the continuity stops and make the repairs as needed. You will also need to inspect the vehicle's 7-way for loose wires or bent pins.

The Activator has a three year warranty whereas the Primus IQ has a lifetime warranty.

expert reply by: Conner L