Troubleshooting Tekonsha Brake Controller Installation that Shows Trailer Not Connected
Question:
when we connect our trailer, our brake controller is stating n.c., we get lights, but do not get any brake action when pressing the brakes actuator does not go off, we do get a charge to our breakaway battery and when the breakaway is pulled, the actuator goes off. we decided to buy the brake emulator and when plugging it in, all lights show as should and the prodigy brake controller says connected. and therefore there should be something wrong with the trailer setup... We cannot find the problem within our trailer set up breakaway system with a titan actuator. So I am wondering if the Tekonsha tester is capable of determining if there is the correct voltage from the electronic brakes in the 7 way connection, or if it just test to see if there is any voltage at all. We used a volt meter to test the truck 7 way connector at the electronic brake output, but only get a voltage reading at or below 3.... is this reading low because there is not a full connection to a trailer? is the tester working properly? Are we doing something wrong? have any suggestions?
asked by: Keri O
Helpful Expert Reply:
You can test the brake circuit output at your truck's trailer socket by using your volt meter on the appropriate pin while you have a helper press the manual override. Press the controller's manual override with the power/boost settings at maximum. You should detect close to 12 volts on the truck's brake circuit. If you don't check the vehicle wiring for wear spots or cracks in the insulation that could be causing a short.
You can also test the trailer brakes directly by bypassing the controller and vehicle wiring and applying 12V power directly to the trailer connector's brake circuit contact. You can use the vehicle's battery or a spare 12V battery to do this. You should be able to engage the brakes fully by direct power input. If not, check all wiring from the trailer connector, including the ground to make sure its attached to a clean bare metal surface.
The Tekonsha 7-Way Trailer Emulator # 6562 is intended for testing electric brake magnets but may not work with an EOH actuator, which is what I think you have. If you are using an EOH actuator make sure your brake controller has a setting to allow it to work with this type of actuator as not all brake controllers are compatible with EOH systems. Among those that are compatible is the Prodigy P2 # 90885.
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha 7-Way, RV-Style Tester for Brake Controllers - LED Test Lights
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Tow Function Tester
- Black
- Tekonsha
more information >
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