Tekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller Flashing and Brakes Do Not Actuate  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If the light is flashing red on the Tekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller part # 39523 there is an issue with the trailer brake output circuit, the trailer is not connected, the ground connection is poor or the power wire is not properly connected according to the installation instructions.

The first step is to check that the brake controller ground and the ground on the 7-way plug is properly grounded. The ground from the brake controller (if hardwired) needs to be connected to the negative side of the vehicle's battery. Check to make sure the white wire from your 7-way is grounded to a clean bare metal surface of the vehicle's frame.

If your grounds are okay, check the power wire is properly connected to the positive side of the vehicles battery via a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker. The next step is to check that the black wire from the battery to the back of the vehicle's at the 7-way is properly connected with a 40 amp circuit breaker.

If the brake controller is not sensing that the trailer is connected usually that means there is rust or debris on the brake output circuit of the 7-way connector which is stopping the connector from seating all the way with the trailer connector on the trailer side. Check the pins of the 7-way for any rust or bent pins. Rust can be lightly sanded away with a fine grit sandpaper.

If there is a short of an issue with the blue wire (brake output circuit) it will also cause the brake controller to flash red. You want to check to make sure the blue wire at the back of the brake controller is not loose. Most of the time the 7-way pins or the ground is the culprit though.

expert reply by: Heather A

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