Verifying Correct Function of Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510 with Manual Override Lever

Question:

I bought a 2001 f150 about 7 years ago. It had a Voyager XP brake control installed in it, i never used it. I tow trailers without electric brakes and all is good. I have to tow a trailer soon with electric brakes and want to check. The light on the unit has not lit,will it only light if i plug i a trailer?I checked the electric brake contact in the 7 pin plug and had no power, i saw a response that because it is proportional you can not simply push the brake pedal,will the manual switch put power to the plug?

asked by: Shane

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can test for correct brake controller output on a proportional-type unit like the Voyager # 39510 by pressing the manual override lever. This sends output for the electric trailer brakes even if you are standing still. When this button is pressed you should be able to detect the brake signal when you apply a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to your 7-way.

Please refer to the linked photo which shows a 7-way vehicle socket. Apply the grounded tester to the pin at the 5-o-clock position while a helper presses the override level on the Voyager. If you detect a signal on the truck's 7-way then you know the unit is operating.

If you Voyager is not lighting up at all - no green or red light, meaning that it appears to not be getting 12V power - then you'll want to check that your fuses are okay and that the black wire to the controller carries power at all times. This wire brings 12V power to the controller and should be active at all times.

expert reply by: Adam R