Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Act I Brake Controller, # 5100 Not Engaging Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since the Draw-Tite Act I Brake Controller, # 5100, used to work. I am inclined to believe it is not a miswire situation as the instructions suggest (linked for reference). There are a couple of possibilities. First, it is possible that the controller was bumped out of position on accident causing it to not function properly. This is an easy fix as you would just have to reposition it according to the instructions. I also recommend going ahead and adjusting the settings as if it were the first time and making sure the power wheel is not set to minimum.

Since the brake controller displays an output, it at least thinks it is sending power back to the brakes. You can test it to see. Have someone sit in the truck to operate the brake controller and brake pedal. Test the 7-Way trailer connector on the truck with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to see if the signal is coming through. If it is, then there is a problem on the trailer side.

If there is no signal or a weak/intermittent signal, then there is something wrong between the connector and brake controller. It could be as simple as loose connection or broken wire. You would have to test the wiring from the brake controller to the 7-way at several points to find it.

Make sure the brake controller ground (white wire) is attached to the negative battery terminal (if not connected to factory tow package wiring). Clean out any dirt or corrosion in the vehicle and trailer side connectors. Make sure the brake magnet ground wires are attached to a clean, corrosion free bare metal surface and that the power wires to the magnets are intact.

expert reply by: Michael H

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