Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install Where Brakes Lock Up As Soon as Brake Pedal is Touched

Question

Question:

I installed my brake controller, wiring harness and plug in according to the directions. the only display is a solid red decimal point when the brakes are depressed. Even when the trailer is hooked up only the decimal shows when depressed. I can not adjust up or down and there is no number readout. when pulling and barely touching the brake peddle the trailer jerks violently when slowing down

asked by: Todd R

0

Expert Reply:

Since your controller is not showing a connection and your brakes are locking up anytime the brake pedal is touched that means that instead of having the brake output circuit connected to the trailer brakes (blue wire of controller) you have a stop/turn signal circuit connected to the circuit instead. You can test this pretty easily by turning on either blinker and you should feel the trailer brakes lock up with the blinker getting activated.

Since your brake controller would have been installed with a harness designed for the vehicle the issue is most likely at the wiring of the 7-way connector instead.

I attached a diagram of a 7-way to show how it should be wired plus a couple links to help articles on trailer wiring and brake controllers.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The AL-KO trailer hub part number 8700 that you have is a 3,500 lb trailer hub/drum with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Based on that the #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K is the correct fit and would work great.

view full answer...

Answer 4

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

view full answer...

Answer 6

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The number you provided, "7753400" is a patent number which corelates to the Equalizer for E-Z Flex Suspension part #013-144-03. This is for a single equalizer but if you need the entire kit it's the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit part…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The 40 amp fuse for your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado tow package is used for the 12 volt battery charge circuit. This fuse is located toward the front of the underhood fuse box closest to the front auxiliary positive post (see photo). There may be a…

view full answer...

Answer 10

On a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500, If you are facing the front of the truck looking at the power distribution box, there will be a post at the back left side and a fuse slot near it. It is that fuse slot that you will install a 30 amp fuse. I have…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For your enclosed trailer application I have several suggestions for adding interior lighting that you can control directly via a switch. Since your current 4-pole trailer wiring does NOT include a 12V auxiliary power feed that could power inside…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install Where Brakes Lock Up As Soon as Brake Pedal is Touched

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching