Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Locks Up Brakes
Question:
Trailer brakes on Dump trailer lock up with the slightest touch to brake pedal. Has worked correctly for years. Voltage comes on to 9 regardless of controller setting... Works fine with manuel override.
asked by: Daren W
Expert Reply:
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 the Quickee Tester, 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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pro Series Pilot Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- Digital Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Pro Series
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Enjoy The 2024 Eclipse With Harvest Hosts
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller on a 2024 Honda Pilot
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Q&A: Fuse and Relay Locations for a 1999 Ford F-250 Light Duty
- Q&A: Info Needed to Pick Out Parts Needed to Add Brakes to Trailer
- Q&A: Diameter of Holes on Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Shank part # FA92-02-4214
- Q&A: Exhaust Hanger Interference When Installing Curt Class III Hitch # 13412 on 1985 Jeep CJ-7
- Q&A: Which Piano Hinge will Work the Best on a Trailers Ramp Extension
- Q&A: No 12V Power on 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2010 Nissan Titan