Troubleshooting Brake Controller When Pin On 7-way Shows Power All The Time

Question:

Im having a issue with my trailer brakes I know its not the trailer I had it hooked to my buddies truck. Long story short they always worked just recently stopped working. I checked the brake wire in my 7 pin I have 10.30 volts all the time when I hit controller I get 12.5 volts. What could my issue be bad controller??

asked by: Joe K

Expert Reply:

You can check the wiring to find the problem. Just sever the blue wire about 6 or 7 inches from the back of the brake controller.

Then use a voltmeter to check the blue wire. It should only show voltage when the manual override is used. If it shows voltage all the time there is a problem either with the brake controller or with the red wire from the stop light switch leading to the brake controller.

The red wire should be attached to the side of the stop light switch that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed. If you check and it is showing voltage without the pedal pressed then the wire is attached to the wrong side of the stop light switch.

If you find the problem is with the brake controller I recommend replacing it with a P2, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller because it is easy to install and operate. Let me know what vehicle you have and I can see if there is an adapter available.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L