Is 8 Volts of Brake Controller Output Normal for New Controller Install

Question:

After reading your answer to the post I installed a new brake controller. I have 12 volts going in and it reads 8 + coming out and then drops to about 5 volts while holding pedal down. The controller that I installed is a Reese Pod simular to the Pod I took out

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

The mechanism brake controllers use to vary between a high level of braking and a low level of braking is the amount of voltage it puts out. So when a controller is set to it's max setting it will put out 12 volts, and if a lower setting is used a lower voltage will be applied. If you are getting 8 volts while having a moderately lower gain setting on your Tekonsha PowerTrac # 39523 (similar to the Pod) this would be normal. If you have your gain setting all the way maxed out and still only seeing 8 volts then that would indicate a problem with the controller.

Also when a controller sits with the brakes applied for an extended period of time eventually the voltage is lowered as it is assumed you are at a stoplight and wouldn't need the full braking power.

expert reply by: Jameson C