Troubleshooting Brake Force Brake Controller Not Functioning
Question:
Can’t get trl brakes to work at all have brake force controller didn’t do anything
asked by: Dennis
Expert Reply:
The issue could possibly be the brake controller or it could be the wiring of the overall setup.
Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.
If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.
If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.
If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.
I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 8K
- Shop: Dexter Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 8K
- Q&A: How to Choose the Correct Brake Assembly for Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Smoking Brake Controller and Melting Wires
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Replacement Brake Adjustment Screw Kit for 10" and 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: 3-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 1,500-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Red Light on Brake Controller when Headlights Are Turned On
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: diamond plate
- Q&A: Location to Install Brake Controller Power Fuse on 2003 GMC Sierra
- Q&A: Light on Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller Illuminates Orange When Brakes and Manual Slide Applied
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Full Review
- Article: Cleaning Your RV Black Water Tank in 4 Easy Steps
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: How Much Trailer Can I Really Tow
- Search Results: folding bed
- Search Results: redarc
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer stone guard
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: aluminum diamond plate
- Search Results: trailer rock guard
on Wiring
