Why Doesn't a Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller Activate Trailer Brakes When Brake Pedal is Tapped

Question:

Hi. I recently purchased a 2001 Ford F250 Diesel truck to replace my 2000 same model. My previous truck had an older tekonsha trailer brake controller unknown model. With that unit I could adjust the braking sensitivity on my trailer while sitting still or barely moving and use the truck brakes to activate the trailer brakes. The newer truck came with a tekonsha voyager. Today was the first time Ive used the controller to move my travel trailer a very short distance. I hooked up to the controller just to make sure it worked since Ill be doing a lot to travel in the near future. After I hooked up the trailer I noticed a green light on the controller which was a good sign. The trailer lights and blinkers worked. As I slowly started moving the trailer I tapped the brakes and got no response. I tried to adjust the braking sensitivity up to where the green light turned orange or red but no response. I then used the manual lever and the brakes engaged on the trailer, and I could adjust the sensitivity. Still no response when I applied the truck brakes again, only a green light. All this occurred while going no faster than 3-5 mph. My question is do I have to be traveling faster for the brake pedal to engage the trailer brakes with this tekonsha? Or do you think it could be another issue. Thanks,

asked by: Danny

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, the Tekonsha Voyager part # 39510 that you referenced senses braking from your tow vehicle with its internal accelerometer and will send a proportional amount of braking power back to your trailer brakes. Since you said you were traveling between 3-5 miles per hour and where only tapping the brakes the controller wouldn't go and strongly apply the trailer brakes. To test the system better you would want to travel a little faster and apply the brakes harder than just tapping them.

The fact that your manual override lever applies the brakes is a good sign that everything is hooked up correctly. I attached a review video for this controller for you to check out as well as an FAQ article on brake controllers that you might find informative.

expert reply by: Jameson C