Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Stopped Working After Breakaway Pin Was Pulled
Question:
after the break away switch got pulled while backing up a trailer the truck has no output to the trailer brakes using the brake pedal. it has output if you manually apply the trailer brakes with the control on the dash.
asked by: Dale A
Expert Reply:
Sounds like the third brake light fuse of your truck blew possible when the breakaway cable was pulled. Since this circuit is tied to the stoplight circuit used for brake controllers typically when this fuse blows the brake controllers typically stop working with the brake pedal. Easy way to check this is to press the brakes and see if the cab light on the truck activates with the brakes.
Testing the brake controller is fairly easy though. 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
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Best Brake Controller for a 2023 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Where is the Dummy Plug to Install a Brake Controller Adapter on 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller On A 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Brake Controller be Added to 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 With Factory Tow Package
- Q&A: Best Trailer Brake Controller for a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite
- Q&A: What is the Best Brake Controller for a 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500?
- Article: REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty vs Tow-Pro Elite
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups