Troubleshooting Hopkins Reliance Brake Controller Puts Out Voltage but Does Not Activate Brakes

Question:

I have a 02 avalanche, the brake controller is a hopkins reliance. I have trailer brakes when I put power to the plug in on the trailer, but when I put power from the brake controller blue wire in the cab and check it at the back where the trailer plugs in its about 1-3volts lower then the input, but it is getting power just not activating the trailer brakes. I think the ohm reading I got was 20ohm. If I ground the blue wire in the cab then check the ohm reading at the rear what should I get as a reading. Is there a loose,light short to ground or bad connection somewher along that blue wire, if so where is the best first place to check and other possible areas to check, thanks for all your help.

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

I am understanding your question right you can manually put voltage on your brake output circuit but when you try to with your Hopkins Reliance the brakes do not activate? If this was any other controller I would say you most likely have other issues, but the controller you have is pretty easily damaged internally so I would say your most likely problem is an internal problem on the controller and now it doesn't put out enough amperage to activate your brakes.

For a replacement brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C