Troubleshooting A Draw-Tite Activator III Trailer Brake Controller
Question:
I have a Draw Tite Activator III on a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel. My electric brake box quit working recently. Using a circuit tester, I have power coming in thru the black wire. The red wire doesnt show power even when the brakes are pressed, and the blue wire has a constant low voltage both at the box in the truck and in the 7 pin at the rear. My trailer light 30 amp fuse still looks good. When working correctly, the brake controller would illuminate a red dot on the front when the brakes were pressed. Now the red light will only come on when the manual lever is pressed. Nothing changes when the trailer is connected. Is my brake controller bad or is something wrong with the truck because I dont get power to the red wire when the brakes are pressed?
asked by: Scott
Helpful Expert Reply:
You should be getting power to the blue wire when the brakes are pressed. If the connection is bad at the red wire, you won't get that signal and you'll need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to find the short. You should get a low voltage on the blue wire and an increased voltage as you hit the manual override on the brake controller. If this isn't happening your brake controller will need to be replaced.
I've attached some articles to help.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Article: Testing Brake Controls
- Shop: Tandem Axle Teardrop Trailer Fenders - Rounded Edges - Steel - 14" to 15" Wheels - Qty 2
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: Will The Curt Dinghy Wire Harness # C96JR Interfere With Activation Of A Blue Ox Patriot
- Q&A: Trailer Turn Signals Both Blink when Just Left Turn Signal is Activated
- Q&A: Trailer Lights Left Side Turn Signal and Brake Lights Not Working
- Q&A: Checking Trailer Lights Without Hooking Up to Vehicle?
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Running Lights on Trailer but Turn Signals and Brake Lights Work
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2023 Jeep Gladiator