With Trailer Not Connected Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 Not Working When Brakes Are Applied

Question:

ook i have everthing re wired back in. i push the botton on the controler and i get 1 red dot. push the bake i get nothing. i hook up the trailer. i push the botton on the controler i get everything working good. NOW trailer still hooked up i push the brake. i get nothing... hummm... anything can help at this point. thanks problem re-installing my 5504 trailer brake unit

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

With the trailer not connected, and you push the manual control on the Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, and get the red decimal point, but get nothing when the brakes are applied it sounds like there is no connection or an incorrect connection at the stoplight switch. Also, check if there is a blown fuse in the stoplight circuit.

You will want to check the brake controller wires with a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993. The red wire on the back of your brake controller should be connected to the cold side of the brake light switch and show power only when the brakes are applied. If it has no power when the brakes are applied, then the red wire is attached to the wrong wire in the brake light circuit. Using your circuit tester, you will need to find the correct wire in the brake light circuit that is hot only when the brakes are applied.

I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Draw-Tite # 5504 brake controller. The instructions will include a troubleshooting guide that will help you determine where the problem might be.

I am also including a link to a FAQ page on brake controllers.

expert reply by: Jeff D