Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Only Applies Brakes With Manual Override

Question:

I have a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. I am using a Voyager brake controller. I have used it for about 6 months and now all of a sudden when I hit the brake pedal the trailer brakes do not engage. If I hit the manual override it does. I have replaced the controller with the same model and still have the same issue. Any ideas?

asked by: Cory D

Expert Reply:

There are a couple things that could be causing the problem you are having.

First, you want to check to make sure the gain is not set too low on the controller. This would cause the very problem you are having. Second, if you are trying to test the brakes while stationary it will do the same thing because the controller is a proportional controller and sends the needed signal to the brakes based on the brake pedal in the Escalade.

The third thing that can happen is if the red wire from the brake controller to the stoplight switch at the top of the brake pedal has been damaged or become loose.

Since you said this is your second Voyager, I am sure one of these issues is the problem and can be taken care of pretty easily.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L