Troubeshooting a Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, only Activates with Manual Override Lever

Question

Question:

brakes dont activate unless I press the manual slider. At that point they lock up completely.

asked by: Mia

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are having a problem with the stoplight switch (red) wire on your Draw-Tite Time Delayed, part # 5504. If this wire is not connected properly to the right wire you will encounter the problem you are having.

I would make sure that the red wire is connected securely to the right wire on your vehicle. I would recommend you use a circuit tester, # PTW2993, to check for voltage on the wire when the brake is applied and no voltage when the brakes are not being used.

I attached a link to an FAQ page on wiring vehicle for a brake controller from scratch that you might find informative.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

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Answer 1

The troubleshooting guide for the (discontinued) Draw-Tite Activator II 5500 is actually the same as the Draw-Tite Activator IV #5504. The instructions (with the troubleshooting guide) for the Activator IV are linked for you to reference but I have…

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Answer 2

I don't see any issue with installing an axle flip kit on a drop axle aside from the shape of the axle as we only offer kits for rounds axle, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part #K71-384-00 or part #K71-385-00.

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Answer 3

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 4

The 12V wire at the vehicle-end trailer connector being hot even when the truck is off can vary depending on the application. For all aftermarket hardwiring installations of a 7-Way wiring harness, the 12V wire will be hot at all times, even when the…

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Answer 5

You will need to make a couple of connections under the hood to complete the trailer wiring package on your vehicle (see link). The ring terminal for the 12-volt power lead for the 7-way trailer connector is located to the left of the power…

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Answer 6

On your 2001 Ford F250 Super Duty with the towing package the brake controller plug connector is located under the dash, near the steering column. You will be looking for a 6 prong rectangular plug. The location for the plug should be under the…

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Answer 7

If you have no power on the brake controller output terminal of your 7-way (which is the 5 o'clock pin) then you most likely have a short in your wire or a bad brake controller. I recommend starting your troubleshooting using a circuit tester…

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Answer 8

The correct replacement 7-Way trailer connector for a 2012 Chevy Silverado is #PK11916. It twists into the existing location on the bumper of the truck. I have linked a video showing installation of this connector for you. Connector #47565 is…

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Answer 9

I would start by using a hook probe tester like the #PTW2993 to check and see if you're getting a power feed on the wire coming out of the box on the Curt Spectrum #C51170 when the knob is plugged in. This will give you an idea if the knob might…

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Answer 10

There are a number of troubleshooting steps you can undertake in order to try and determine what the issue is with the brake controller on your 2006 GMC Sierra To test the brake controller itself, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of…

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Answer 11

I called Curt to confirm if this is expected. They assured me that this is normal. It lights up when the vehicle is started to indicate the Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller, part #C51170, is on and looking for a connection. Once it's found that…

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Answer 12

First, make sure that your #3015-P harness is pinned out correctly. The red wire should be in the bottom left location (if looking at the back of the end that plugs into the truck). Directly next to the red wire should be the blue wire. Above the…

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Troubeshooting a Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, only Activates with Manual Override Lever

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