Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Is Putting Out Voltage When At Rest

Question

Question:

Installed a Valley phantom brake controller on a 1990 dodge ram p/up per wiring diagram. My problem is : when the brakes are not even applied I am getting approx. 6 volts at the 7 pin brake terminal. I do not even want to hook up a trailer yet fearing the brakes will be partially engaged. Is there possibally something internally wrong with the controller? Help, thanks

asked by: Ron W

0

Expert Reply:

There could be in internal short in the brake controller. Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the blue wire exiting the rear of the controller. There should be no voltage on that wire unless the brake pedal is pressed, or the manual brake switch is engaged. If there is voltage, test the red wire. There shouldn't be any voltage on that wire unless the brake pedal is pressed.

If you find voltage on the blue wire, but not the red, try pulling the manual brake switch several times and letting it snap back into place. Sometimes the contacts for the manual brake switch get dirty and actuating it several times helps to clean them.

If you have voltage on the red wire when the brake isn't being pressed, the stop lamp switch on the truck is faulty, and should be replaced.

If you still have output on the blue wire after checking the things mentioned above, the controller is faulty and should be replaced. I'd recommend going with a proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. A proportional controller features internal sensors that can determine how quickly the vehicle is stopping. It will then send the proper amount of voltage to the trailer brakes, so the tow vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate. This provides safe, predictable braking.

You'll also want to check the 7-way connector on the truck. If it's damaged or corroded, the 12-volt circuit might be bleeding over onto the brake circuit.

I'll also link you to our Brake Controller Troubleshooting FAQ article.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

I haven't heard of the Curt 7-way tester not working with OEM brake controllers. There was a Tekonsha tester that had problems with Dodge and GM trucks so it is possible. We have been able to confirm that the Pollak 7-Way to RV Socket LED…

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Answer 2

There are many possibilities that might be causing your brake problems. A dirty, damaged or corroded trailer connector on the vehicle or the trailer, an open circuit in the trailer wiring, worn brake magnets. Any of these could be causing your…

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Answer 3

Just to make sure the brake controller was wired to the correct tow package wires on your 2010 Chevy Silverado I will go over the functions. On the truck the red wire connects to brake controller black. Dark blue on the truck goes to brake controller…

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Answer 4

Something is obviously causing a voltage drop between the brake controller and the trailer connector. The usual culprit in this type of situation is a break in the wire or a corroded wire. Check the wiring under the truck. You should be able to trace…

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Answer 5

Thank you for being very detailed with your question! The first step I would take is to make sure everything on the truck and trailer is wired properly. Your Prodigy brake controller should have the wiring adapter #3025-P which is custom for your…

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Answer 6

Sometimes brake controllers need to be reset as they get a weird internal bug. Try unplugging yours for a minute or so and replugging in and see if that helps. Here's how to test the controller though: Testing the brake controller is fairly easy.…

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Answer 7

I spoke with my contact at Hidden Hitch about the problems you are having with the Pilot Brake Controller, #80550. First, a pulse preventer will not be needed because the problem you are describing does not seem symptomatic of the issues that would…

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Answer 8

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 9

That fluid has to be going somewhere! What you can do is have someone activate the manual override on the brake controller in the vehicle cab while checking for leaks. Make sure the reservoir is full though. If it is not leaking at a line or…

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Answer 10

The only time there should be power on the blue wire when testing it should be when you are applying the manual override. If it shows power at any other time that indicates a problem inside the controller and it will need to be replaced. Also make…

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Answer 11

We definitely have options available to add a brake controller to your 2002 Chevy Silverado C3500. You may need an extra part depending on if it came with a 7 Way from the manufacturer or not, but I have a good option for that as well. With that…

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Answer 12

If you are referring to two white wires from the brake magnet that are coming from the rear of each electric brake assembly, then it would not matter which wire is connected to ground and which wire is used for the brake feed. The magnet that…

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Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Is Putting Out Voltage When At Rest

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