Troubleshooting Pilot Brake Controller that Doesn't Show Dot on Screen when Brake Pedal is Applied

Question:

I hooked up my pilot brake controller on my 1999 f250 when I press the brake pedal and the manual button on the controller the red light comes on, but not when I just press the brake. Does this sound right? I don’t currently have a trailer with brakes to hook up to to see if it works.

asked by: Jonathan

Expert Reply:

When the Pilot brake controller part # 80550 does not have a trailer connected the red dot should appear when either the manual override lever is slid or the brakes are applied. Since yours isn't showing the dot with the brake pedal that would mean the issue is the red wire of the controller. It needs to be connected to a circuit that sees 12 volts of power when the brakes are applied.

When a trailer is connected you'd see the letter C show up on the screen as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C