Troubleshooting Voyager Brake Controller When Trailer Brakes Do Not Work

Question:

Voyager controller in truck. Trailer brakes do not work, when brakes applied, no lights on control lite. If I unplug trailer and test for power at the socket, a Ted light comes on the controller and test light glowed. Used 12 bolt and powered the trailer cord and brakes locked up! Could the controller be bad??? Thanks,

asked by: Mark B

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you apply 12V of power to the trailer connector brake pin you will lock the brakes up. The problem may be on the vehicle side. You will need to use a circuit tester.

With the trailer unhooked, have someone sit in the cab and run through the functions while you test the brake controller. The only time you should see power on the brake line on the connector is when the manual override is used on the controller. If you see power any other time that means you have the wiring for the brake controller wired incorrectly. I have attached a drawing that shows how the wiring should be run when installing a brake controller.

Check for any visible signs of damage like broken or pinched wires. Check the trailer connectors on the vehicle and the trailer and make sure they are clean and free of rust or corrosion.

If everything checks out on the vehicle and trailer you can check out the helpful article I have attached about checking the brake magnets.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L