Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller Decimal Point Always On Even without Trailer Connected
Question:
It is my understanding that the display screen shows a decimal point when a trailer is not attached to my truck. The display screen shows the decimal point even when the truck is off. Is this unit always suppose to be on even when the truck is not on and running? Is there an off switch?
asked by: Chris T
Expert Reply:
On the Draw-Tite Activator II if the decimal point is lit up all the time with no trailer connected it indicates an issue on the red wire. The red wire is an input wire that tells the brake controller when you are stepping on the brake pedal. It could be connected to the wrong brake switch wire or to a different switch such as the cruise control.
You will need the brake switch wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If it has power at any other time, such as when the headlights or turn signals are on, then it is not the correct wire.
It is also possible that the connection for the red wire is pinched or damaged and it may be drawing power. Check the connection and repair as needed. An internal short could be a possibility which would mean the brake controller would need to be replaced.
Also make sure that the vehicle side connector is clean and free of corrosion inside, where the wires attach, and outside on the pins.
Brake controllers do have constant power going to them and there isn't an off switch. Most go into a sort of sleep mode after a certain amount of time but if the controller thinks you are stepping on the brake pedal then it would never go into a sleep mode.
There is also a procedure for bench testing the controller as follows:
1. Wire as shown at right. Set the Output control to maximum (+) and set the Sync control to minimum (-).
NOTE: If at any time during the bench test, the display shows OL make sure that the blue "BRAKE" wire is not shorted to the "-" battery terminal or the white "BATTERY -" wire. If at any time, the display shows Er return the unit to your Draw-Tite dealer for further evaluation.
2. Test "Standby Condition"
Hold the red "STOPLIGHT" wire on the "+" battery terminal. The display should show a single . (decimal point). This indicates correct wiring and that the control is ready. Disconnect the red "STOPLIGHT" wire from the battery.
3. Test Brake Pedal Activation
Firmly ground the light bulb to the "-" terminal of the battery. Re-attach the red "STOPLIGHT" wire to the "+" battery terminal. The display should step up to 10 and the bulb should start out dim and slowly get brighter (unhook and re-attach the red wire as many times as necessary to confirm this)
With the red wire still hooked up, slowly move the Output Control down to (-). The display should count down to 0 and the bulb should dim and go off. Slowly move the Output Control back up to (+), the Display should go back to 10 and the bulb should return to full brightness. Slowly move the Sync Control to maximum (+). The display should change to Sync mode and count up to 90.
Disconnect and reconnect the red wire. The bulb should light brightly with no delay and the Display should read 10. Disconnect the red wire.
4. Test Manual Activation
With the Output Control still set at maximum, slowly activate the Manual Control button. The bulb should start to dim and get brighter and the display should count up to 10 as the Manual Control is pushed. While holding the Manual Control all the way in, rotate the Output Control up and down. As the output changes the bulb should go bright and dim and the display should read 0 to 10.
5. Defective Unit
If the Brake Control unit does not function as described, return it for service or replacement.
