Humming Noise from the Tekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller Part # 39523

Question:

My brakes appear to have stopped working. the green light is on all the time even when the trailer is not on. when the trailer is connected I dont get the red light or any braking. I do hear a humming in the unit every time I press the brake, but nothing more. It was working fine last summer, but not now. Any thoughts?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The humming noise you are hearing is concerning as the Tekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller part # 39523 should really not make any noise. In order to test the brake controller you will want to sever the blue wire 6" back from the unit and test it using a circuit tester while the manual override is engaged. There should only be power when the manual override is engaged. If there is power without the manual override engaged then the controller is faulty and will need to be replaced for which I recommend the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510. This is a much better brake controller as the proportional activation will be much more efficient than the time-delayed. It also has a five year warranty.

If the controller tests good then you will need to move onto the wiring for both the vehicle and trailer. I would first start off by cleaning both of the trailer connectors. I would then check to be sure the stop light switch wire has a secure connection to the cold side of the brake pedal. After this you will then need to trace the blue brake output wire from the brake controller all the way back to each assembly while checking for frays or shorts. If none are found then you may just want to run an entirely new wire with part # 10-1-1.

expert reply by: Conner L