Low Power Output on Reese Pilot Brake Controller

Question:

it shows like my brakes are connected and stuff but when I hit the brakes the number only goes up to .2 instead of like 4.2 and I dont have no trailer brakes I didnt know what could be the issue I turn the knob and it dont do nothing

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

I took a look in the owner's manual for the Pilot 2-6 Brake Electronic Brake Controller part # 80550 which is included for you and in the troubleshooting chart it shows that if power output is less than "1.0" on the digital display the error could be attributed to one or more of the following:

1. Power set too low.
2. Poor connection on brake line (blue wire).
3. Black and white wires reversed, control destroyed.

Since you have stated that you turned the gain up on the brake controller via the power knob on the side of the unit we can rule out the first error. In order to check the second error we are first going to want to acquire a multimeter. Once we have this we are then going to want to sever the blue brake output wire about 6" from behind the controller and then test it with the multimeter while at full power with the manual override.

If you get anything less than 12 volts then the brake controller would need to be replaced for which I recommend using the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 because it activates the trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking. If you do get 12 volts from directly behind the brake controller then you have a short on the blue wire and will need to trace it from the controller all the way back to the braking assemblies while checking for any frays. I would also pay special attention to the trailer connectors. The final error to check would be that both the white ground and black power wires are secure and there are also no frays.

expert reply by: Conner L

Michel

6/17/2020

When I check the blue wire output and the vehicle is running, I get an output of over 13v, however when it is connected to the brakes or if I use a car head light as a resistance, I only get a maximum of 9.4v the brakes do not catche enough, I hear the magnets sticking to the drums but can turn the weel by hand

Chris R.

6/21/2020

How do you have the controller wired up in your vehicle? Is the black 12V wire connected directly to the battery or is it getting power from a different source. It's odd that other power draws affect its operation.