Troubleshooting Curt Triflex Brake Controller that Stopped Working with Brakes

Question:

I have a Curt Triflex controller on my 2014 Silverado, has worked with no problems, purchased a 2016 enclosed trailer and controller worked for a short period of time, now changes from a single dot to two dots upon plugging trailer in, stepping on brake now has no readout or effect on brakes, if you use the manual slide brakes are applied, any ideas on what is happening Thanks

asked by: Bob H

Expert Reply:

First thing to check is to see if your truck's third brake light is still working when you hit the brakes. When the fuse for that circuit goes on GM trucks like your 2014 model it will prevent the brake controller from activating when the brakes are applied.

Next check to see if there's voltage on the red wire of the brake controller when the brakes are applied. If so, and the controller still won't activate with the pedal it has an internal problem and would need to be replaced. Curt controllers are somewhat known for having internal problems easily so this would not be a total shock to me.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Scott

5/2/2020

I have a 2010 Tundra towing our stock trailer and dump trailer. Both are double axle and both give me the same problem only when I tow them with the Tundra. Other vehicles no problem. When I apply the brakes the trailer brakes come on full bore very quickly and then release after 10 seconds. This can create quite a smoke show at any decent speed which is unwanted. It flashes CC, rC, dC and then the double .. The stupid thing is it just started doing this in December. Last year when I used the trailer with the Tundra things were great. Is the wiring bad or maybe the controller ?Any help is most appreciated. Thx

Chris R.

5/5/2020

We at least know the issue is somewhere on the Tundra since the trailers work fine with other trucks. I would start by inspecting the Tundra's 7-Way connector, just to be sure there isn't any debris or corrosion built up insides the pins that might be causing a short (cleaning out as needed). Then turn your attention to the brake controller's wiring - ensure everything is still securely connected and that there aren't any pinched or frayed portions of wiring. If all of this looks good, there's likely an internal fault on the controller that requires a replacement.