Trailer Brakes Not Working When Brake Controller Is Connected To The Trailer
Question:
I PURCHASED A Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES WITHOUT IT HOOKED TO MY CAMPER THE LED TURNS ON BUT WHEN THE CAMPER IS PLUGGED IN AND I PRESS THE BRAKES THE LED DOES NOT AND THE BRAKES DONT SEEM TO WORK. ANY SUGGESTIONS???
asked by: CHAD B
Expert Reply:
The first thing I recommend doing is to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 and test the functions of the wires on your brake controller adapter # 3035-P.
The red (Stoplight) wire should show power only when the brake pedal is pressed. The black (Power) wire should show constant power. The white is ground, and the blue is trailer brakes.
If the light on the brake controller is on and you have no trailer brakes when using the brake pedal or the manual control, you will want to check the blue wire connection to the trailer brakes. You will want to use a circuit tester and test the blue wire on the trailer connector to see if you have power back to the trailer brakes. You will also want to check the blue wire connections to the brake controller under the dash.
Also, the trailer or the trailer brakes may not be grounded. You will want to check the ground on your trailer and the trailer brakes.
If you have no trailer brakes when using the brake pedal or the manual control on the brake controller and the light is off on the brake controller you possibly have no power to the controller on the black (power) wire.
You will need to check the battery wire connection at the battery under the hood and the circuit breaker next to the positive post in the fuse box under the hood.
The last thing to check is the red (stoplight) wire connection from the brake controller to the brake pedal stoplight switch. The red wire on the brake controller needs to be attached to the wire on the stoplight switch that will show current only when the brakes are applied.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
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