Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller Only Sending 10 Volts To Trailer Brakes
Question:
My controller is showing connected but when I hit the brakes the indicator just barely changes color and I have no brakes at trailer. When I check for voltage at the plug I get about 10 volts. I’m thinking the controller is bad?
asked by: Charles R
Expert Reply:
With the gain of the trailer brake controller turned all the way up you should be getting a full 12 volts on the 5 o'clock brake output pin on your 7-way connector.
If you are not there is a few possible reasons. The first being that the power wire going to the controller is not giving a full 12 volts. Using your voltage tester check the black wire going into the controller. If you are getting 12v then check the blue wire on the controller. If you are not getting 12v power on the black wire there is an issue with the wiring coming from the battery to the controller and you will need to replace the damaged sections, or run a new power wire using # 10-1-1
If you are getting 12v on the blue wire on the controller but not on the 7-way connector there is an issue with the wiring between the two. You will need to check for any damage to the wiring, or you can bypass it by using # 10-1-1 to run from the controller to the 7-way connector.
If you are getting 12v power in the black wire but not on the blue wire there is an internal issue with your controller and it will need to be replaced.
If this is the case I recommend going with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as it is an extremely reliable controller with great features like an easy to read LCD screen and built in diagnostics that are easy to read and understand.
I included a link to a helpful article on wiring and a video review of the # 90195 for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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