Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller In 2008 Ford F-250 Not Working When Brake Pedal Is Pressed
Question:
My trailer brakes dont want to work when I apply the pedal but will work with the manual slide. I have 3 trailers and all are the same.
asked by: James H
Expert Reply:
I am sorry to hear that you are having this issue!
Since the issue is not tied to a specific trailer but instead is happening with every trailer then the issue is going to be either how the controller was installed, or possible a bad stop light switch on your truck. With that said if your trailer brake controller is proportional, then it will not have power via the brake pedal unless your truck is moving.
It looks like you were looking at stuff for a 2008 Ford F-250 and assuming that is the vehicle you have the controller should be installed with a plug in adapter so no splicing is required.
Test the red wire going on the back of the controller with a circuit tester # PTW2993. With the brake pedal pressed you should have power, but no power any other time. If you do not have power to that wire even when pressing the brake pedal then the issue is the stop light switch has gone bad.
If for some odd reason the controller was hardwired to your truck instead of an adapter then go ahead and check the stop light switch for a wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed, and make sure that is the wire connected to the red wire on the controller.
I included a link to a helpful article that goes over wiring for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Circuit Tester
- Tow Function Tester
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: AL-KO/Hayes Disc Brake Caliper -10,000 lbs and 12,000 lbs - Driver's-Side
- Shop: Kodiak Ceramic Brake Pads - 8,000 lbs to 14,000 lbs
- Shop: Disc Brake Caliper for Dexter 10,000-lb to 12,000-lb Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Shop: Disc Brake Pad & Lining -10K & 12K - (One Wheel)
- Shop: Caliper Rebuild Kit for 10,000-lb and 12,000-lb Dexter Disc Brakes
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of Hopkins Car Organizer - Pop Up Trash Can 7 Inch Tall - HM72613
- Shop: Vehicle Cargo Control
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Shop: Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode
- Q&A: Trailer Wheel Bearings Burning Out Repeatedly After Little Mileage
- Search Results: 2" ball 1" shank
- Search Results: hitch ball 2"
- Search Results: 6 lug axle
- Video: Review of Titan Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator - T4809700
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Q&A: Do Electric Brakes Need to Share Ground Wire?
- Q&A: Comprehensive Vehicle Side Trailer Connector and Wiring Tester
- Video: Pollak 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester Review
- Video: Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Pre-Collision Warning After Installing Brake Controller on 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: All Trailer Lights Work Fine Except Brake Lights Will Not Work
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Lack of Trailer Brake Power at 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Will the Trailer Brakes Activate On a 2015 Toyota Highlander with Pre-Collision and Dynamic Cruise
- Video: Roadmaster Hitch Anti-Rattle - Standard Anti-Rattle - RM-061 Review