Curt Venturer Brake Controller Troubleshooting on 2009 Saturn Outlook

Question:

Thanks for the response. I did get the grounding issue resolved, but now each time I connect to my trailer, I can only get one bar of gain on the bar graph before getting a blinking red light on the controller. The trailer is a tandem axle, weighing 4500 lbs. I am going to have a friend try connecting his truck to the trailer to see if he has any issues? I am starting to wonder if the controller has a problem or is underpowered for some reason? Any thoughts?

asked by: Bruce S

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you might have an issue with your ground, or you may need to simply reset your brake controller now that it has been installed. Once you turn your vehicle on and the trailer isn't connected, there should be a red light that appears on the controller.

To reset your brake controller, unplug the pigtail harness for about five minutes. After that, plug the harness back into the brake controller.

If resetting the controller doesn't work, try grounding the controller to a different location, the battery would be best.

If a new ground doesn't solve your problem, let me know and we can look into some further troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Victoria B

Bruce S.

7/15/2015

Victoria B.

7/15/2015

Based on the information in the installation instructions' troubleshooting guide for the Curt Venturer # C51110, a blinking red light indicates that there is a brake circuit overload or a short. Having your buddy hook up to your trailer is a good idea. If your buddy's brake controller detects a short, then we know the problem is on the trailer. You could also check the electric brake wiring on your trailer for any issues. If the trailer isn't the issue, you will want to go over your installation of the # ETBC7 kit. I have linked the installation details for the kit for you. There are a number of things that could have gotten mixed up during installation of this kit. I recommend checking the duplex wire that you ran from the connector to the brake controller for any pinches, tears, or other damage that could cause a short. Hopefully this will provide a solution for you. If your truck's wiring is undamaged, and the trailer hooks up fine to your buddy's truck, it is possible that your brake controller could be the problem.