Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Only Works with Manual Override Lever

Question:

Just installed this on a 2004 dodge ram pickup truck. The red dot is on when no trailer connected, the C is on when trailer is connected. Unit operates in manual mode properly, but unit will not show digits or work when brake pedal is depressed. There was a unit previously installed that I replaced with this unit. Any ideas?

asked by: Jerry P

Expert Reply:

Sounds like all of the 4 wires of the Pilot controller part # 80550 are connected except the red wire.

This circuit needs to be connected to a circuit that only sees voltage when the brake are applied and none when released. You can test this circuit with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to verify if the circuit is seeing voltage but it sounds like it is not.

Since a controller was previously installed you would want to check all of the connections made to install the controller. The red wire will most likely not be made securely.

expert reply by: Jameson C