Troubleshooting Brake Controller With Voltage On Brake Output All the Time

Question

Question:

My Curt Triflex has 12v at the blue trailer brakes terminal at all times. Is this normal?

asked by: Dave

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are saying that your Curt TriFlex Trailer Brake Controller # C24VV has voltage on the blue wire (brake output), at all times. This would not be normal since it should only have voltage there when the brakes of the trailer need to be applied. It would be a good idea to test the brake controller at this point to determine where the problem lies.

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.

It could also be that your 12 volt accessory circuit on your 7-way is shorting out to the brake output circuit of the 7-way and that is why the brake output circuit has 12 volts all the time.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

If you are reading a constant 12 volts on the blue brake output wire with the Curt Venturer Brake Controller #C74VV installed, this is indeed an indication that either the controller itself is bad or there's a short somewhere along the brake…

view full answer...

Answer 2

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The only time there should be power on the blue wire when testing it should be when you are applying the manual override. If it shows power at any other time that indicates a problem inside the controller and it will need to be replaced. Also make…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 7

For your 2018 Ram 2500 with the factory puck system the best 5th Wheel Hitch is the B&W OEM Companion. If you have the 8 foot bed then you will want the fixed 25K #BWRVK3600 and if you have the short 6-1/2 foot bed you will need the 20K Slider…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Erik, thanks for reaching out! We can definitely get you to the #ETBC7 kit building off of your Curt Trailer Connector Adapter #C57672. What you need is the Wiring Kit #5506 which has everything else in it aside from the circuit tester. If you…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The best brake controller for your Outback is going to be the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Subaru decelerates. The reason the Tow-Pro…

view full answer...