Is There a Simple Way to Test to See if Brake Controller Install is Installed Properly

Question:

I installed my brake controller but wont pick up my trailer until this weekend. Is there any other way to make sure everything is working correctly? I was informed the light on the controller will only illuminate when trailer is hooked up. When i press the manual Brake on the controller my cars brake lights DO turn on. Does this mean everything is in order or is there any other way to verify everything is in working order??

asked by: Jerardo

Expert Reply:

What you have described so far is normal so I would assume you are most likely good. The manual override lever of a brake controller is designed to put voltage back onto the stoplight circuit to activate the vehicle and trailer brakes so that other motorists know that you are slowing down. This is a safety feature.

If you have a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 you can put the probe on the brake output in of the 7-way (5:00 pin) and this will simulate the load of trailer brakes and you should see the controller show a connection at this point. From here you should be able to press the vehicle brake and the brake controller should start to show the braking action occurring.

expert reply by: Jameson C