How Much Voltage is Needed to Be Seen When Testing Output of Brake Controller

Question

Question:

First off, thanks for your input in helping me get my truck output fixed. However, now that the truck is all fixed and everything checks out good, the brakes goes to fully engaged as soon as I plug the trailer in. Any ideas? It’s a 2011 Myco boat trailer with Titan Electric over Hydraulic brake system and the truck is a 2015 GMC 3500 Denali.

asked by: Kim S

0

Expert Reply:

Below this is the text of the testing procedure you mentioned finding on our site. You'll need to test for full 12 volts of power if the controller's gain is set to the max and you have the override lever fully slid. The brake controller should be circuit protected with a fuse under the hood as well as with a relay too. You'd want to check both.

"Since you have a Chevy factory integrated controller you can use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 to test the brake circuit pin on your 7-way.

The linked photo shows the functions on each pin on a standard 7-way installation and the arrows indicate where to ground the tester (7-o-clock position) and where to apply the tester's probe (5-o-clock position).

Have a helper press the manual override on the controller while you test for the output signal on the 7-way.

You can test the trailer brakes directly by disconnecting the trailer and applying 12V power to the appropriate pins on the 7-way plug; these are the pins that match up to the contacts on the truck's trailer socket. You can use the truck's battery or a spare 12V battery to apply this power directly to the trailer. Since this will be a full-power input your brakes should engage fully."

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Kim S.

1/9/2018

First off, thanks for your input in helping me get my truck output fixed. However, now that the truck is all fixed and everything checks out good, the brakes goes to fully engaged as soon as I plug the trailer in. Any ideas? It’s a 2011 Myco boat trailer with Titan Electric over Hydraulic brake system and the truck is a 2015 GMC 3500 Denali.

Reply

Jameson C.

1/9/2018

Typically when we see the problem you described the issue is a short between the 12 volt power accessory circuit and the brake output circuit. What happens is the full 12 volts will short to the brake circuit which then tells the actuator the brakes need full power and then they lock up. This can be caused by a short, corrosion in or behind the connectors, or mis-wiring. It's very common with 6-way trailer connector setups as there are two common ways 6-ways are wired and the only difference is the brake output and 12 volt accessory circuits are swapped.

Reply

Answer 1

We have actually run into this issue quite a few times in the past, and there is a simple fix. The reason the Curt Echo Wireless #C51180 locks up the brakes on your camper only at low speeds is due to it being paired incorrectly, usually plugging in…

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Answer 2

It sounds as though there is a short or something is mis-wired. Using a circuit tester, like the #PTW2993, check the connection points in the vehicle side connector, to see if there is constant power on the running light circuit (brown wire on the…

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Answer 3

The only pin that should be continuously showing 12V power on the 7-Way connector on your vehicle is the 12V power circuit which is normally the black wire but not always. In 7-way wiring the 12V auxiliary power feed is carried on the contact at the…

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Answer 4

The Curt 7-Way adapter #C57003 can be used on any vehicle that has the bulb out sensor problem when towing a trailer with LED lights. Originally when the part came out the issue seemed to only affect German vehicles like Audi, Volkswagen, and so on.…

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Answer 5

Sounds like you have a ground issue on your trailer. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light but can show up any…

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

I suspect your problem is caused by a damaged or corroded trailer connector. Take a look at your trailer connectors, both the socket on your truck as well as the plug on the trailer. Look for green or white corrosion on the pins or sockets of the…

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

The issue you are describing does indeed sound like a failed converter box. It is not uncommon for converter boxes to fail over time especially if they are not properly secured. You will need to replace the entire unit in order to get your trailer…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Curt 7-Way Trailer Adapter #C57003 should take care of the issue you're having with your trailer's LED lights. Bulb-out sensors in your Audi (and other German-made vehicles) send out a test signal that can cause super-efficient LED…

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Answer 11

Yes, you can use the Curt 7-Way to 7-Way adapter #C57003 with your 2014 Volkswagen Touareg. It can actually be used with any vehicle that has a 7-Way. The vehicles listed were the ones that this adapter was originally created for because that is when…

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Answer 12

To reset your Curt Triflex part #C24VV all you need to do is unplug it temporarily and then plug it back in. Once you do that the controller will have reset itself.

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