Troubleshooting E1 Error Message on a Hopkins Reliance Brake Controller and 6-Way Trailer Connector

Question:

show E1 wheither or not trailer is hooked up. lights all work. But no trailer brakes. have a 6-way put in professionally box broke so put in a reliance brake controller with led

asked by: Angela

Expert Reply:

I believe I know what the problem is. On 6-Way trailer connectors, some are set up with the pin for electric brakes set up as the center pin with the 12 volt pin in the 2 oclock position (if looking at the face of the trailer side connector). Other connectors are set up with these pins switched. What is probably happening is the 6-Way on the vehicle is set up one way on the connector on the trailer is set p the other way. When the brake controller looks for a trailer it does not sense it is there.

Other problems that may be causing this issue is a bad ground at the vehicle side connector, trailer side connector, or at the brake magnets. Make sure each ground is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. You will also want to check and make sure there is no corrosion in either connector or in the back where the wires attach.

expert reply by: Michael H