Troubleshooting Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller by Running a Bench Test
Question:
Testing controller on the work bench with 12VDC Battery and an old tail light bulb. I can only get green light on controller to come on when applying power to the stop light wire when actuating manual LED changes from green to red and old tail light bulb lights up in this configuration. Connections are as follows: +12VDC - Black Wire, Red Wire -12VDC - White wire, negative side of old tail light bulb +side of old tail light bulb - Blue Wire Note: With Red Wire disconnected no green light comes on
asked by: Dan L
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have everything wired correctly to bench test.
To bench test a brake controller you need to connect the black wire from the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510 to the positive terminal of a 12 volt battery and the white wire to the negative terminal. Then ground the test light to the negative terminal as well. Now connect the blue wire to the positive side of the test lamp. If at this point you do not have the green LED light on the Voyager, and all the connections are good, the brake controller needs to be replaced.
There's an exception to this. If the wiring on the controller has been modified then the color code could be different. This sometimes is done when hardwiring a controller and instead of using the pigtail coming from the controller, an installer might remove them and run the wires from the vehicle into the back of the controller. This could possibly be why you're getting power only when the red wire is connected. If it's been modified and the red wire is now what's powering the controller. Of course, you'll only run into this situation if you've purchased the controller used.
If you do find that you need a new brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. It's our most popular controller because of how easy it is to use and set up. And it's also extremely reliable. It can be hardwired into your tow vehicle or there may be a plug and play wiring harness available for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Manual Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Shop: Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2006 Dodge Ram Pickup
- Video: B and W Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel - BWRVK3500-5W Review
- Video: B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - BWGNRK1313-5W Review
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Shop: Tailgate
- Search Results: 16 inch g rated tires
- Search Results: hm42137
- Search Results: fifth wheel and gooseneck wiring
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Shop: Replacement Ignitor for Furrion RV Propane Cooktop
- Q&A: Replacement Head For The BWRVK3300
- Q&A: Difference Between B&W RVK3500 and RVB3500 Parts
- Q&A: What Head Position Should be Used with B and W Companion Hitch in Long Bed Truck
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Video: Ventline RV Vents and Fans BVE0106-00 Review
- Search Results: bw head leveling kit
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: How To Tell If You Have A Faulty Brake Controller
- Video: Performance Tool Plastic Bearing Packer Review
on Trailer Brake Controller
