Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Only Sends Brake Output When Wire is Probed

Question

Question:

I just installed this controller, I have power to the black wire. I also have power to the red wire when the brake pedal is applied. Problem is, I only get power to the blue wire when I have the probe tester inserted into the wire and the tester is grounded. I have also connected the ground to the negative battery terminal. Im out of ideas as to why it only works when probed.

asked by: Kit

0

Expert Reply:

Brake controllers will have to sense the load of a brake magnet to know that a trailer is connected so that it can actuate them. Typically corrosion or a dirty connector causes the problem you described. Try cleaning the pins of the controller to see if that allows the controller to start showing a connection.

Somehow it sounds like the circuit isn't making it's way to the trailer connector. I attached a help article on troubleshooting brake controller installs as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

If the controller is working properly, you should be getting 12V at the black power wire going into your brake controller and 12V output on the blue wire when you fully engage the manual override on your controller with the gain turned up. If you…

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Answer 2

You will need to find out if the issue is on the brake controller, tow vehicle, or trailer. To test the brake controller, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use a circuit tester such as #PTW2993 to test the end…

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Answer 3

For the brake wire on your 7,000lb car hauler you will want to use a 12 Gauge Wire #12-1-1 for the power wire. The ground wire can either be grounded to the frame or you can use the Jacketed 2 Wire #12-2-1 if you are not using the frame as a ground.…

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Answer 4

If your trailer brakes have stopped working there are a number of potential issues, starting with a potentially bad ground on your connectors or brake magnets. Additionally, corrosion or dirt may be the cause of a short in a trailer connector. Check…

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Answer 5

I did some searching around on the internet and came up with a few interesting tips to prevent rodents from eating vehicle/trailer wiring. Here is what I found: Noise will keep the rodent's away. So a portable radio would work for this. Flashing…

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Answer 6

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

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Answer 7

If the surface on the inside of the drum where the shoe pads make contact isn't smooth then a brake shop may be able to turn the drums. If that surface or the surface where the magnet makes contact (called the armature surface) is discolored then…

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Answer 8

Equalizer bolts, like the TruRyde Wet Equalizer Bolt, #TRFA71063, should be torqued to yield. Equalizer bolts are not given a specific torque rating because they should allow some movement of the equalizer. If they are torqued down too tight, the…

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Answer 9

Though it will depend on which specific kit you decide to go with, I can definitely give you an example. The MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3-1/8" Long Shackle Straps #MR76ZR will come with all wet bolts. All of the…

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Answer 10

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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