Power on Brake Controller Ground Wire and Controller Not Functioning On a 1990 Chevrolet Pickup

Question

Question:

Is it normal when one wire is connected to the brake controller that the other wire that should be grounded has live voltage feeding through when the brakes are applied ? And if so, would this not cause a short circuit to occur?

asked by: Doug T

0

Expert Reply:

No, you should not have current on the brake controllers ground wire when the brakes are applied and yes it should create a short circuit. It sounds to me as if you have a problem inside the brake controller. Brake controllers have no user serviceable parts inside them so the best action would be to replace the controller.

I would recommend the Tekonsha PRODIGY P3 Brake Controller - Proportional, item # 90195. This brake controller is easy to set up and is one of our best selling controllers with great reviews by our customers.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

For your 1991 GMC Suburban V1500 we have the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55312 4-way flat connector that will plug and play into the factory connections. As there is not a 7-way connector with the factory connections you can use the…

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Answer 2

For your 2009 Lexus RX350, you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers, part #ETBC7. To make this work with your brake controller and your RX350 wiring, there are a few wiring connections you need to make. I have…

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Answer 3

It definitely sounds like you have the brake output wire on your trailer not matched up with the wiring of your tow vehicle. Basically you will first need to determine which of the wires on your trailer wiring is for the brake output circuit. You…

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Answer 4

The harness you have pictured is the Toyota factory brake controller harness. Toyota usually issues these with each truck. This will work with the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, #90195, that you purchased. The P3 should have come with a universal…

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Answer 5

Typically the Brake Controller Output pin will be the 1 o'clock pin for a trailer side 6-Way connector (see attached picture). This isn't always the case though so you will want to double check before assuming that is the case for…

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Answer 6

The adapter you'd need for going from a 6-way on your truck to a 7-way on your trailer is going to be the part #337TC1067P. The adapter you mentioned actually would be the opposite direction and would not work.

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Answer 7

We have a 6-way to 7-way adapter like what you sent in a picture of with the part #337TC1067P.

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Answer 8

Unfortunately I can't see the photo as it didn't come through, but your description helps me understand what you need. It is not uncommon for the brake output and 12V lines to be switched on the 6-way. I recommend the Hopkins…

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Answer 9

We do have the Hopkins Heavy-Duty Trailer Coiled Extension #HM47055 that is also 8' long when stretched like the Hopkins 6-Way Connector with Jacketed Cable #H20036 that you found. The coiled cable will help to prevent the excess cord from…

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Answer 10

For your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado you will only need a couple more parts. I have linked a video below of the installation process on your Silverado. In the video they are using the Universal Installation Kit #ETBC7 for the installation which you…

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Answer 11

A 6-way trailer wiring connector would normally carry the brake output circuit as long as a brake controller is installed in the vehicle. That said, we do have a 6-way to 7-way adapter part #337TC1067P which is a simple plug in adapter that will…

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Answer 12

There are two ways that 6-ways can be wired like you mentioned. The only difference is that the 12 volt accessory circuit (normally center pin) and brake output circuit (normally 10:00 pin) are swapped. We see this come up quite a bit when people…

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