Troubleshooting Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator that Wont Activate via Brake Pedal

Question

Question:

I have a horse trailer with the E/H dexter system that will not brake with pedal. The controler seams to works fine. I am stumped could you please help me. 2015 F350 set on electric/hydraulic setting for brakes.

asked by: Quentin W

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Expert Reply:

The Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes # K71-651 is confirmed to be compatible with all factory integrated brake controllers from Ford, so it should work just fine with yours.

That being said, if your factory controller is a proportional one, like most factory controllers, you must be moving for the Dexter actuator to come on via the brake pedal, so if you're testing it while the vehicle is parked, this is why the brakes aren't activating. When testing, be sure to set the gain to max.

Just to be sure, I suggest testing via the manual override lever to ensure your factory controller is capable of sending power back to the actuator. When you slide the manual override, the actuator should run and your brake lights should light up.

On the trailer side, make sure your brake lines are properly bled. Air bubbles in the lines can cause poor braking and is characterized by a spongy or soft brake pedal. You'll also want to make sure the actuator is mounted level and upright in a dry area on your trailer.

If the Dexter actuator does run when the manual override is applied, this could indicate an issue with the controller's factory wiring. In this case, I recommend taking your truck to a Ford service center to have it checked out.

The only other solution would be replacing it with an aftermarket brake controller compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes, like the Tekonsha P2 # 90885 or P3 # 90195. The Tekonsha custom adapter # 3034-P will allow you to plug either controller directly into the factory brake controller plug under your dash.

expert reply by: Carla M

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Answer 1

I have attached a diagram that shows how the Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator, part #K71-651 needs to be wired. You may want to check the wiring to make sure it is wired correctly and none of the wires show any signs of damage. Make sure…

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Answer 2

We do have a wiring diagram for you! Whether you have the 1,000 psi Dexter DX Series #K71-650 or the 1,600 psi Dexter DX Series #K71-651 the wiring will be the exact same. I have attached a wiring diagram and review videos for you to check out. Just…

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Answer 3

The pump should come on when you hit the brakes with your Dexter EOH system. I hope you have the Dexter #K71-651 for disc brakes versus the #K71-650 you asked from which will not work with disc brakes because it won't provide enough pressure. If…

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Answer 4

I have another option for you, but no you cannot use the Dexter DX EOH Actuator For Disc Brakes #K71-651 with hydraulic drum brakes. This is due to the pressure differences in the actuators as they were designed for the different styles of brakes.…

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Answer 5

Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator #K71-651 should be mounted in an open space to allow cooling as you drive. This is why the casing has small heat-sink ribs. These provide a little extra surface area for improved heat radiation.…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you have a few of the wires mixed up. I don't know what colors the factory harness uses but the white colors on most brakes controllers will be as follows: That said, you would also want to check the third brake light fuse as well.…

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Answer 7

First, there are only certain brake controllers that are compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes. None of the Draw-Tite models are compatible. I recommend going with the P2 #90885 which does have an electric over hydraulic mode. After you…

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Answer 8

The newer factory brake controllers, like on your 2022 Chevy Silverado, are generally fine with an EOH actuator like the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator #K71-651. But there are times when there are issues which is why I…

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Answer 9

The Plug-In Wiring Harness #3064-P that you referenced is the correct brake controller harness for your 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and it is actually a brand new product for this generation of GM trucks (it currently only fits the 2019 model Silverado…

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Answer 10

In order to switch from your electric brakes to a disc brake system there are several things you will want to consider. It is true that the disc brakes will provide better braking for you, although converting can require an involved installation.…

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Answer 11

Yes, you can install a brake controller in your 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 with tow package using the install harness part #3064-P that you referenced. This would be what you'd need to install our very popular and great performing Prodigy P3 part…

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Answer 12

We have been told that the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes #K71-651 is compatible with the factory brake controllers on new trucks like your 2019 GMC Sierra, though our experience has been that they are not…

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