Valley Brake Controller Not Working with Pedal or Manual Override, Shows 2 Dashes
Question:
When I hit the brake or try to slide the brake on the unit 2 dashes come up. No braking at all
asked by: Non
Expert Reply:
If you could tell me which Valley brake controller you have I might be able to determine if there is a specific issue that matches the 2 dashes on the display. It is possible that the controller is not reading the trailer or it could be sensing a short.
There are some tests you can do to determine if the issue is the brake controller or elsewhere. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.
If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.
You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.
If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Video: Equal-i-zer Hitch Ball - Trailer Hitch Ball - EQ91-00-6100 Review
- Video: Powerbuilt 12 Point Socket with 3/4 Inch Drive Review
- Video: Draw-Tite Hitch Ball - Trailer Hitch Ball - 19286 Review
- Video: Review of Equal-i-zer Hitch Ball - Weight Distribution Ball 2-5/16 - EQ54FR
- Video: Powerbuilt Tools - Vehicle Tools - ALL643216 Review
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Ratchet with 3/4" Socket for Anti-Rattle Hitch Bolts
- Shop: 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: 2 5/16 ball
- Search Results: hitch ball
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Curt Weight Distribution - WD With Sway Control - C17499 Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 90160
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Draw-Tite Chrome Hitch Ball Installation
- Search Results: ball
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings