Trailer Brake Pin on 7-Way Trailer Connector is Hot All of the Time

Question:

I have constant 12V on the trailer brake pin on my 7 pin outlet at the back of my truck even when the key is off. That is using a volt meter grounded to the ground pin and hot to the blue electric brake pin. Is that right? I would think I should only have voltage when the brakes are engaged by pressing the brake pedal on the truck or engaging the manual over ride on the brake controller. This is using a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller and it’s the second brand new one I’ve tried and I’m using a factory wiring adapter plug and play.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

There should not be constant 12 volt power at the brake output pin on the back of the 7-way unless the brake pedal in the vehicle is pressed or the manual override is engaged. Since you have a new controller then there is more than likely a short in the brake output wire (usually blue) that runs for the 7-way to the brake controller. You will need to trace this wire back as far as possible while checking for shorts. You can use your multimeter to pinpoint where the short occurs but since you have factory wiring, the majority of it will not be accessible therefore I recommend running a new wire with part # 10-1-1 (per foot).

expert reply by: Conner L