Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller that Has Voltage on Output Pin of Connector all the Time
Question:
Why do i get power at the trailer plug when the controller is not being activated? I have voltage at the plug out put even when the engine is not ever running. The controller does not work properly on the road either. The connections are premade installation cables for the vehicle. I installed this about a year ago and it never did really work smooth or correct on the road.
asked by: Wayne
Expert Reply:
Since you used a plug and play brake controller install harness to install the Tekonsha Primus IQ part # TK90160 that would eliminate the install wiring of the controller as the problem. Most likely then the controller has an internal issue or there's possibly a short at the back of the 7-way connector between the 12 volt accessory circuit and the brake output circuit. Here's how to test the controller:
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 the Quickee Tester, 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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
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