Brake Controller 5504 Wire that Does Not Have Voltage Until Brake is Pressed
Question:
I purchased the above controler, 18396 tee-light kit and ETBC7 brake controler kit for a 2005 Chevy Uplander front wheel drive van. Wired all according to instructions and works great EXCEPT the red wire that connects to the brake pedal from the controler. I have 3 wires Orange, yelloow and black w/stripe. Orange has 10 volts with and w/o brake pedal depressed. Pale yellow has 2+/- volts unpressed and about 4 volts when pressed. The black stripe has no power eight way ground I assume. Instructions say look for wire that has NO power unpressed and power while pressed, I have none. I origionally hooked the controler up to the pale yellow but seemed to cause issues with brake lights on van. I have power to the brake line on rear of van using the manual button on the controler, just need the brake pedal. ANY Ideas ??? HELP !!
asked by: Jeffrey
Expert Reply:
I am sorry you are having a problem with your brake controller wiring. My initial reaction is that there is a ground issue from the odd readings you are getting from the wires under the dash. Start with no trailer attached. Make sure that all of the grounds you have hooked up are solid and clean.
If that does not work, then I would go to the connection right at the brake pedal and test the wires coming out there. One of these wires should provide no voltage until the brake is pressed and then voltage should register. The standard brake wire for Chevrolet is light blue but that does not mean that this model is not different. Sometimes you just need to back up and go over everything to make sure something didn't get crossed up in the process.
I think you are right that the black wire is ground and the orange wire should be power but should be 12 volts plus. The yellow wire may be going to the third bake light causing the voltage problem, so there is another wire you may be missing. I can't help but think there is a light blue wire there somewhere (especially after looking at the picture of part number # 5504).
A final thought, check all of your taillights, even the third brake light. If one of those is out, that could possibly be the problem. I hope something here helps, it is hard to diagnose at a distance but let me know if you don't get it working and I'll do the best I can to help. You are almost there.
