Troubleshooting Brake Controller Output on the Curt Universal Installation Kit # C57186

Question:

hello, I installed this kit last year on a 2012 traverse it worked shortly then part of it stopped working. Im trying to troubleshoot. All the light connections work. The electric brakes dont engage when applying brakes or manually applying the brakes? I have hooked another vehicle to the trailer and it worked fine. Could you give me some test/repair advise? Thank you....

asked by: Eric S

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brake controller output on the 7-Way of the Curt Universal Installation Kit # C57186 isn't functioning properly. This is probably the result of some damaged wiring but would start off by checking the brake controller pin and the pin for the 12V power (since those wires are run together) just to make sure.

Using a circuit tester # PTW2979 test the pins in the 1 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions for functionality (see attached photo). The 12V power pin will have constant power and the brake controller output will have power when the manual override is applied on the brake controller with it set on high.

From what you told me I doubt you will see power on the brake controller pin. You can verify that the wiring is the issue by cutting the wire from the brake controller to the 7-Way about 6" back from the controller and testing it for function just like you did at the 7-Way. If the wiring needs to be replaced then use the 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 but if your 12V power pin isn't working properly either you would want to use Jacketed 2 Wire # 10-2-1 instead.

If those pins are showing proper power signals then your best bet would be to take your towing setup to a shop so they can physically inspect it.

Let me know if replacing the wire doesn't work and I can help you troubleshoot further.