Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Doesn't See Trailer Connection

Question

Question:

I just installed the protigy p2 on my 2007 Silverado 1500 new body style so I did have to splice in the harness. I used the solder butt connectors to hopefully end up with a better connection. So when I first got the key with no trailer, it was showing a power out on the controller which I didnt understand but hasnt done that since now when I hit the key with no trailer its just the two dots. When I hook it to a trailer nothing changes it does not see it. Although I here the brakes on the trailer buzzing when its plugged in, so I know its getting power I just dont know why the controller doesnt recognize it. I checked the connector on the truck and the trailer brake pin is putting out just under 3 volts so there is power. Thanks

asked by: Tyler

0

Expert Reply:

So is the brake output circuit of your vehicle showing 3 volts at all times? Or just when the brakes are pressed? It should only see voltage like that when the brakes are pressed. If all the time that would indicate that the controller is bad.

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 # 3808, 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 (not full 12 volts since this is a proportional controller) 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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

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Answer 5

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