Troubleshooting Locked Trailer Brakes with Activator Brake Controller Displaying No Connection
Question:
I have a DrawTite activater2...I have a dot on the display when hooked to the trailer
asked by: Janie
Helpful Expert Reply:
Since the Activator Brake Controller 5100 does not have a display chances are that you have another Activator like the IV 5504. When this unit displays a decimal point (and the trailer has no brakes) then this indicates no connection between the brake circuit and the brake magnets. Since your tires are locking up it sounds like you either have a corrosion issue somewhere in the socket or plug or that your trailer connector is wired incorrectly, with the 12V power circuit being fed to the brakes (causing them to lock up) even though the controller shows no connection on the brake circuit.
Use of wiring adapters can cause this issue too. If you are using 6-way wiring, which can be configured in two different ways, you could also have this same problem with 12V power being fed to the brake circuit. Please refer to the linked article on trailer wiring for more on how connectors can be configured.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Replacement Wheel Cylinder for Uni-Servo Free Backing Brake Assemblies
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Weight of 21K Demco Hijacker AutoSlide 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install Brake Controller on 2012 Chrysler Town and Country
- Article: Trailer Tester Battery Replacement for Part Number 8010
- Q&A: Are Thule Fork-Mount Bike Racks Okay to Use With Carbon Forks?
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Grease Seals for Allis 5013 29772
- Q&A: Hitch Extension for Towing a Boat on a Truck with an In-Bed Truck Camper
- Q&A: Can I Use Both the 7-Way and 4-Way Connectors at the Same Time on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado