Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller Not Outputting Voltage

Question:

I’m not getting power out of the electric brake control box. I’ve got power going in and I cut the wire that sends power out to eliminate shorting issues but still no power coming out it is a brand new control box.

asked by: Ralph

Expert Reply:

Which brake controller are you using?

How are you testing for brake output? Are you testing with the brake pedal pressed, or with the manual brake switch on the controller being actuated?

If you have a proportional brake controller, you will NOT get output from the controller using the brake pedal UNLESS the vehicle is in motion. You SHOULD get power output with the manual brake switch actuated.

A time-delayed controller should show power output both with the brake pedal being pressed as well as with the manual switch being operated.

If you aren't getting output with the manual brake switch, and you've confirmed that the controller is getting power, then the controller is faulty and should be replaced.

I've linked to a article that provides troubleshooting strategies for trailer brake controllers.

expert reply by: Mike L