Brakes On Trailer Not Working After Being Stored, Using Tekonsha Voyager # 35910 on 1997 Ford F250

Question:

Brakes were working fine when the trailer was stored for last winter, now no brake activation at all. Controller is levelled and adjusted IAW the manual, LED glows green when connected, turns red on either pedal or manual slide application. No sound from the magnets though, and no braking. Power to the connector on the tow vehicle shows 17v ? at the blue wire even when no brakes applied. That doesnt seem right, shouldnt the power only exist when brakes are on? Tow vehicle is a 1997 Ford F250, controller is wired through the factory plugin, not hard wired.

asked by: Peter G

Expert Reply:

I would start by unplugging the controller and then plugging it back in to reset it. Then go through and setup the brake controller again as indicated in the instructions.

There should only be a minimal amount of volts at the trailer connector when the brakes are not activated

If the problem still persists, you could cut the blue wire a few inches from the back of the controller. Then, using a circuit tester, check to see how many volts are coming from the back of the controller. You can then test the trailer connector, with the blue wire cut, there should not be power at the Blue wire on the 7-way.

Then, you will want to check both the vehicle and trailer side connector. There is a chance that there is corrosion in the connectors that has built up from the winter weather. If there is corrosion in the connectors, you will need to replace the connectors.

I would also inspect the wiring on the trailer, to make sure there are no cut or frayed wires. Also make sure that each brake magnet has a good ground connection.

There is a possibility that the brake controller is bad and would need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Reno H