Hopkins Agility Brake Controller # HM47294 Shows Trailer Not Connected on 2005 Ford Truck

Question:

my display keeps telling me that the trailer is disconnected.

asked by: Bruno

Expert Reply:

If the Hopkins Agility Brake Controller, part # HM47294, is installed and wired properly, the screen will display one red dot in the bottom right hand corner when a trailer is connected. The screen will be blank when no trailer is connected. I am including a link to the instructions on the Hopkins brake controller.

There are 4 potential problems that could cause the no connection reading on your # HM47294. The 4 possible causes for trailer not connected are as follows.

1. Trailer not connected to tow vehicle.
2. Trailer connected with open circuit on brake line.
3. Trailer connector disconnected or corroded.
4. Loss of trailer brake magnet ground.

Testing the Hopkins brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the trailer brakes. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test to see if your brake controller is working properly. Also, a link to a FAQ page on brake controllers.