The Light on the Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller Does Not Come On

Question:

I have a 1993 chevy k1500 p/u. We are about to buy a trailer, 6200 GVWR, 2 axles. I am the second owner. The truck has a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller mounted in it. The light does not come though it might have in the past. We will use the p/u for towing for a while but within a year plan to upgrade to a new tow vehicle, probably a 2008 or newer Tahoe/Yukon or Durango. I am thinking the brake controller is fried because the light does not come on. I was told that a trailer has to be plugged in for it to light up but I do not think that correct. Please confirm. There is power going in the red wire, none coming out the blue and none at what appears to be the correct pin on the electrical bumper hookup. So if I replace the brake controller what do you recommend as one that I can easily transfer to the new tow vehicle?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The information that you received about the Tekonsha Voyager brake controller is correct. I have the same brake controller in my truck and the light will only come on when a trailer is connected to the truck, even if you move the manual override.

The Voyager is a proportional brake controller, so it only sends out voltage based on the amount of braking it senses. If the truck is standing still and you step on the brake pedal, there will be power on the red wire, but you will not see any power on the blue wire because the internal accelerometer does not sense any braking forces.

If you would still like to upgrade the brake controller, I recommend looking at the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195. This is one of the top brake controllers on the market and the LED display will show power output levels and errors such as a trailer short or no trailer connected. I have attached a demonstration video of this brake controller for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H