Does the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510 Activate the Brake Lights on a Trailer

Question:

I have checked witeing multiply times and bout a 40 amp fuse for fuse box also hooked up both positives to the right studs still no light when I hook up to my boat trailor

asked by: John T

Expert Reply:

If the problem you are experiencing is that the brake lights on your trailer are not working then the problem is not with the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller # 39510 that you have installed.

A brake controller only sends power to the brake controller pin on your 7-Way (see the 5 o'clock pin in attached photo) to activate only the brakes on your trailer. If your trailer brake lights are not coming on then that would be related to the pins in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on your 7-Way (again, see attached photo).

I recommend starting off by testing out the 7-Way on your tow vehicle with a circuit tester like part # PTW2992. Check to see if there is power to the pin for your brake controller only when the power is set to high and the manual override is used. If this is the case then your Voyager should be functioning properly. You will then want to test the 3 and 9 o'clock pins for your right and left turn signals (respectively) and for your stop signal. If you are getting the proper signals then the problem is on your trailer.

Check the connector on both your tow vehicle and trailer to make sure that they are clean and free of any dust or debris. You will then want to move to the grounds on your trailer. Check them to make sure that they are secure and connected to a clean, bare-metal surface as even some paint can cause issues.

If all of that looks good then you will want to follow the wiring for those circuits and look for any places where the wiring is damaged, exposed, bent, or corroded and replace it using 16 Gauge Wire # 16-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05744-5.

You can also test the wiring on your trailer by using the battery from your tow vehicle. Ground the negative terminal of the battery and then use the positive terminal to test the various functions on your trailer 7-Way to ensure that everything works properly. Please note that the functions should be mirrored to the picture that I attached of the vehicle side of a 7-Way.

If none of this works let me know and I can help your troubleshoot further.