Brake Controller Activating Trailer Brakes on a 2007 Ford F-150 When Not Physically Accessed

Question:

I installed this item on my 2007 Ford F-150. When I try the manual break nothing happens. But when I try to adjust my brake setting higher with the power knob the trailer brakes immediately responds without me physically pressing on the brake or manual knob. I have tried following the steps on how to adjust the setting and I can even get to step 4 Apply Manual Knob because the brakes are already engaging. Did I miss something?

asked by: Travis H

Helpful Expert Reply:

This sounds as if one of several things is happening. Either you have received the incorrect Tekonsha Adapter (the correct one is part# 3035-P), the adapter is mis-wired, the power wire from the vehicle is connected to the brake switch wire from the brake pedal or you have a short on your power wire on your 2007 Ford F-150 which is directly effecting your brake switch.

If you are using a 7-to-6 way adapter at your vehicle/trailer connection, it is possible that the adapter is not wired correctly for your set up. For example, Hopkins adapter # 47549 is a universal item that can be wired with center pin as 12v or as brake. If you are using a universal adapter check that it is pinned out correctly.

You can use a circuit tester like the Quickee # 3808 to test the wires at the controller. Apply the tester to the red wire. There should be a signal on the wire only when the brake pedal is pressed. Next check the blue output signal wire. If there is output on the blue wire with no input on the red then the controller is malfunctioning. If there is input on the red wire without the brake pedal pressed then the issue is in the vehicle wiring upstream of the controller.

In the picture I have the correct Tekonsha # 3035-P. Cross reference this picture with your actual adapter and verify that the wires are pinned out the same way on yours. If you have received the incorrect adapter, you can call customer service at 1-800-298-8924 and they can get the situation rectified for you.

Finally, you may have a short on your power wire that is giving your brake switch wire constant voltage. Because of the short, your brake switch thinks that it needs to activate because it is receiving signal. When you adjust the gain higher, you are not only increasing the voltage release, but, inadvertently giving the brake switch too much power which is activating your brakes without your physical input.

I have attached several FAQ articles covering brake controller installation on a full size Ford Truck, brake controller installation starting from scratch and troubleshooting brake controller installations.

expert reply by: Lori W