Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2002 Ford F-250 Heavy Duty Truck
Question:
I have a Reese Brakeman Compact in my Ford F250 Super Duty truck. It stopped activating my brakes when I towed my trailer 2006 Jayco TT for the first time this spring. Neither the manual over-ride nor the brake pedal activate the brakes while Im driving. I checked the trailer brakes by pulling the break-away pin and it activated the trailer brakes so I dont think the trailer is the problem. When the trailer is not connected, the brake controllers red LED activates and becomes a strong bright light when I press the brake pedal or use the manual over-ride. When I plug my trailer into my truck, and I use either the manual over-ride or the brake pedal the LED light goes dim. All the lights brakes lamps, running lamps and turn signals work on both the trailer and my truck. I am a loss for why. Its not working. Please help.
asked by: Jerry G
Expert Reply:
The red indicator light you have on your brake controller should start out dim and when brakes are applied or if the manual control is used and increase in brightness as you increase the output.
It sounds like your controller is working properly when the trailer is not hooked up but is acting opposite of how it is supposed to work when you hook the trailer to your vehicle.
I would use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, and make sure all the wiring connections are receiving current as designed, starting with the truck wiring connector. Per the troubleshooting and testing procedures, the light should start out dim and increase in intensity as brakes are increased. If the wiring checks out and the ground is secured properly, and the problem still persists, you may need to replace the controller.
If you need to replace your controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular because it is easy to install and operate.
We also offer an easy-to-use adapter for your 2002 Ford F-250. It is part # 3035-P. You simply plug one end into the back of the brake controller and the other end plugs into the harness located under your dash. I have attached a link to a video that shows a brake controller installation on a Ford F-250 you can check out.
I have also attached some helpful articles about brake controllers and installation and troubleshooting you may want to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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