Trailer Brake Controller Shows Constant Numbers On Display Without Brake Pedal Pressed

Question:

Trailer control shows numbers constant but brake isn’t pushed in

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Usually if the brake controller displays numbers or changes when you are not braking it means you have a short somewhere in your wiring and the brake controller is being activated without the braking. Most of the time you have dirty or corroded pins on the vehicle side trailer connector.

To test the brake controller, you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then test the blue wire with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. The blue should only show power when you apply the manual override or brakes. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If the brake controller tests okay, then you want to test the brake output pin on the vehicle's side trailer connector. Have someone activate the manual override while you test the pin for power. If the pin shows power any other time, then there is a short between the brake controller and the trailer connector. You will need to check all of your wiring for damaged or frayed wiring.

expert reply by: Heather A