Voyager Brake Controller Does Not Light Up when Trailer is Connected to 2002 Toyota Tundra

Question:

I I stalled a new controller on a 2002 toyota tundra. I have not got back to my trailer to see if it works. However no indicator light has even came on . I thought the light is suppose to be light either green or red. Please inform me ?

asked by: Chris B

Expert Reply:

When a trailer is connected to the tow vehicle the Voyager brake controller # 39510 should show a green light. If it does not then we need to figure out if it is the controller or something else.

First, to determine if the brake controller is the problem there are a couple of tests you can do. You will need a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Have someone sit in the truck cab and fully apply the manual override lever on the brake controller. At the same time test the brake output pin on the 7-Way trailer connector with the circuit tester or meter. It is the pin in the 5 o'clock position.

If the controller shows power during this test then the issue is on the trailer side. If it does not show power then more testing is needed on the vehicle side.

Make sure the controller is receiving power on the black wire. On your 2002 Toyota Tundra the controller would have to have been hardwired in since there isn't a plug-in wiring harness for it. So the black wire should be attached to the positive battery terminal via a 30 amp circuit breaker # PK54530. The white wire should be grounded to the negative battery terminal. No other ground location will suffice.

The red wire should be attached to the cold side of the brake switch but even if it wasn't that would not cause the controller's LED light to come on when a trailer is connected. That leaves the blue wire which should go to the back of the 7-Way connector and attach in the 7 o'clock position.

If there is a break in that blue wire somewhere the controller will not be able to sense that a trailer is connected. To verify if there is or is not a break (assuming everything else is connected where it should be) you can sever the blue wire a few inches back from the controller. Then use the tester or meter to test the end of the blue wire still attached to the brake controller while applying the manual override lever. If it still shows no power there is a problem inside the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If there is power doing this test then there is a break in the blue wire somewhere between the controller and the rear of the vehicle.

If everything tests fine on the vehicle then the issue is on the trailer side. Make sure the trailer connector is clean and free of corrosion inside, where the wires attach, and outside on the pins. Inspect the wiring to the magnets and make sure there are no pinched or damaged wires and that the magnets are grounded to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. I have included some additional links on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.