Hopkins Impulse Brake Controller Showing E1/E2 Error Code

Question

Question:

Checked the brake controller after unhooked from the trailer, like you said it showed E1, but my controller is an impulse. Brake controller shows E2 sometimes

asked by: George S

0

Expert Reply:

The E1 error code on Hopkins brake controllers indicates that a trailer is not connected. If you do not have a trailer connected it will continue to display E1. If this happens when a trailer is connected then that could indicate a problem on the brake output circuit (Blue wire).

The E2 error on your Hopkins brake controller indicates a short to the blue wire. The most likely culprit is a dirty or corroded vehicle/trailer connector and is causing the controller to work intermittently. Clean both connectors and also check the back where the wires attach because corrosion can build up there as well.

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.

The Hopkins controllers are somewhat prone to failing, when you replace it I would go with something a bit more reliable.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The Econo Porch Trailer Steps #EHS-102-R-HR referenced in your question has a total weight, including the handrails, of 61 pounds. With the handrails taken off and the step assembly folded for easy transport you are looking at a weight of about 50…

view full answer...

Answer 2

It sounds like you have an intermittent short somewhere in your braking system. The readings you are seeing are correct, because the short is intermittent. An intermittent problem can be very difficult to find, but your best bet is to physically…

view full answer...

Answer 3

If your 2002 Chevrolet Silverado did not come wired with a 7-Way plug from the factory, you will need to connect the brake controller power wire and the electric brake wire underneath your hood to complete the brake controller installation. Once you…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The ER code on a Reese brake controller typically indicates an internal problem that can't be fixed and requires replacing the controller. Since yours is still working normal I'd say that you are probably on borrowed time with it and will…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The Curt Venturer part #C74VV uses the standard brake controller wiring colors of white for ground, red for stoplight switch, blue for brake output to trailer connector, and black to 12 volt power. I also attached a link to the install instructions…

view full answer...

Answer 6

While locking hitch pins aren't rated for capacity like a hitch, the strongest is the InfiniteRule hitch pin, which has a 42,000 lb shear strength. They are available for 2", 2-1/2" and 3" hitches: - 2" Hitch: InfiniteRule…

view full answer...

Answer 7

You said you checked the brake magnets. When inspecting them did you notice if the windings inside the magnets are showing? If so this is most likely the reason that the short is showing up on the controller when the vehicle is moving. This would…

view full answer...

Answer 8

To use a hitch lock on Curt Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part #13577, I would recommend the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock, part #e98880. If you want a hitch lock that also includes an anti-rattle device you can use the Softride Anti-Rattle Device and Lock…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It sounds like you may have the Hopkins Towing Solutions Trailer Brake Controller part 47285 as this would make sense for the E1 and E2 codes you are receiving. If this is the case then the E1 codes means there is not a trailer connected and the E2…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Per the instruction manual for the Hopkins Agility Trailer Brake Controller part #HM47294, the error code "SC" indicates that you have a short circuit. The shorted circuit could be on either the blue brake output wire, the red stop light…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...

Hopkins Impulse Brake Controller Showing E1/E2 Error Code

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching