Constant Power to Brake Output Circuit on 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 1983 Landcruiser

Question:

I have a 83 FJ60 Landscruiser with a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller installed about 10 years ago. I have not used the 7 position socket for a while and needed to remove the reverse light wire as our current trailer has no reverse lights. I was checking for voltage at all the postions and noticed there was power to the brake connection at all times. I took the socket apart and found that at the inside connectors for the wires going to the socket the ground wire and the brake wire connections had rusted together. Why is there power to the brake wire and does this mean the brake controller is bad. Thanks for all the great info on your site

asked by: Mel H

Expert Reply:

You have a short to ground and the corrosion could be bad enough to also be pulling from other circuits. This does not necessarily mean the brake controller has gone bad but it is possible. The first thing you are going to want to do is replace the vehicle side trailer connector. I also recommend examining the wiring as much as possible from the back to the front to see if there are any other issues. New wiring at the connector will be needed for sure.

Also, if the trailer has a 7-Way but does not have reverse lights or a circuit that needs the reverse lights (like an electric lockout on a boat trailer) then you do not have to disconnect the reverse light circuit from the vehicle. Especially if the pin related to the reverse light circuit on the trailer side connector is not present.

To test the brake controller, after everything has been repaired on the vehicle, you will need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed. With the trailer not connected, sever the blue wire a few inches from the back of the controller. Use the circuit tester to test the end of the blue wiring coming from the brake controller. It should only show power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at any other time, then the controller is bad, and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H