Blue Output Wire on Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5504 Always Reads 12 Volts
Question:
I have an older 5504 unit installed in a 97 winniebago class a The blue wire comming out of the controler is reading 12 to 13 volts all the time. I think the problem is inside the controler itself. Checked the wiring to and from the unit all is ok. Think its time to replace the unit ?
asked by: Gary F
Expert Reply:
The blue output wire at the back of any brake controller such as your older Activator should carry a voltage with full current only under two particular conditions. One is when the red input signal wire is getting a brake light signal from your vehicle's brake light switch. The other is when you press the manual override lever. A low-level signal will always be present on the output circuit, but with only a few milliamps of current, which is the controller's signal that is "looking" for a brake magnet.
If the unit is passing 12 to 13 volts with several amps of current all the time then you are correct that it has "gone by" and needs to be replaced.
I suggest you consider upgrading to a proportional type controller like the popular Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This unit is very highly-rated by our customers for its easy set-up and reliable performance. Unlike time-delay types like the Activator II, the Prodigy will show your trailer in direct proportion to the braking force in the tow vehicle. This saves wear and tear on both tow vehicle and trailer brakes. The linked article will give you additional information.
The P2 will wire in exactly the same way as the Activator, color for color.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 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
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Video: Tow Ready Tow Package Wiring Harness Installation - 2002 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Power on the Blue Brake Output Wire from a Brake Controller
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Full-Size Van
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for Bargman 7-Way RV Style Connector # WG54006-043
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Trailer Connector w/ LED Test Lights - Trailer End
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Replacement Parts for B&W Companion Hitch # BWRVK3050
- Q&A: Is a Replacement Shock Offered for the B&W Companion RVB3300
- Q&A: Maintenance Greasing of B&W Companion Hitch Head
- Q&A: Determining Correct Lube Plate to Use with Reese 5th Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: grease
- Search Results: lube plate
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Replacement Snap-In Grommet for Dexter Trailer Axle Tube Wire - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Brake Wire Grommet for Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies - Qty 1
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: 90160
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller