Troubleshooting Brake Controller Connections and Testing Brake Magnets

Question:

I have a really weird issue. When the unit powers on and I have my foot on the brake, the screen will show a varying number based on how hard I am pressing the brake. As soon as I completely release the brake, the controller goes to N.C.. After this, the controller will not display any values except for . .inch until I power cycle while having my foot on the brake. Vehicle is 2019 subaru ascent. I just installed the subaru OEM 7 pin plug n play harness and connector, along with the tekonsha plug n play wiring adapter for the brake controller. Any clues?

asked by: Dustin

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a loose connection in either your wiring harness or the 7-Way connector on your Subaru Ascent. I recommend checking to see if you have a loose pin inside your connectors that could be causing the signal to go in and out. A more serious issue you have and one that could be difficult to test is the magnets in your trailer's brakes could be bad or going out. The simple solution is to hook either your vehicle up to another trailer and test your brake controller or hook your trailer up to another vehicle and test it that way. If these aren't options available to you then you're going to have to get inside your trailer's brakes and test the magnets. I have attached an article on how to do this. If you end up taking the brakes apart you will need a Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads item # PT89ZR to test the magnets.

expert reply by: Jerred H