How To Tell If You Have A Faulty Brake Controller

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Question:

My trailer started locking the brakes up, I found out one problem was the plug in my bed but I have one in my bumper also so tried it and the brake box light is working properly now, but still having issues with the brakes wanting to lock up. Been researching your q and a and with the trailer unhooked I have the same reading on the blue wire as I do the black coming out of the brake box, so does that mean the brake box is bad on the power side? I leveled it and followed instructions on the power and level adjustments.

asked by: K B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The blue wire coming from the brake controller to the trailer brakes is the brake power output wire used to tell the trailer to apply the brakes once given the response from the brake controller. Therefore, you should not have a constant charge to the blue wire, except when the brakes are applied or the manual override is engaged on a proportional brake controller.

To test this you will want to sever the blue wire about 6" back from the brake controller then apply the manual brake slide and test for power. You should only see power on that wire with the manual override or brake pedal engaged. If there is constant power running through the wire then you have a faulty brake controller and it will need to be replaced. Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test for power as you apply the brakes in the vehicle. You may also want to consider testing the red wire which will give the same signals as the blue wire if functioning properly. If not, you know the wire is connected to the wrong circuit.

The black wire running to the back of the controller should always have a constant 12 volts. If you find the brake controller is bad, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 as this is one of our most popular and reliable controllers.

If the brake controller is functioning properly, then there may be a problem with the wiring on the truck or at the trailer end connector. I would look for any sections of wire that may be pinched or frayed causing power to jump circuits.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 2

This sounds like the trailer brakes are not receiving the signal from the brake controller when you apply the brakes. I believe what is happening is that you may have a loose, broken, or inaccurate connection on the red wire from the brake…

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Answer 3

Thank you for your purchase directly from etrailer of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller #RED44FR. I can only guess as to the issue but can give you a bit of direction; when you disconnect the controller from your Colorado do the brake lights…

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Answer 4

When we installed the CE Smith Deluxe Marine-Grade Carpeting #CE11349 we used 9/16" long staples as you can see from the attached installation video. You can use the same size or a similar size if you already have some staples.

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Answer 5

That has to be a brake controller issue. Sounds like the controller is backfeeding the stoplight circuit it taps into as a signal wire with voltage which is then activating your brake lights. When this happens the brake controller is in need of being…

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Answer 6

If you are getting a constant 3.4 volts on the brake output circuit of your brake controller without the brake pedal pressed that's a malfunction of the brake controller. Curt controllers are known to be a bit more prone to internal bugs so the…

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Answer 7

Since the trailer was off of the ground it would not take much voltage to stop the wheels from spinning so they may be getting power but they may not be getting enough power due to a short or wiring issue. But 9 times out of 10 weak trailer brakes…

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Answer 8

There are some common things you can check to determine what is causing the poor braking performance. First, you do not want the trailer brakes to lock up and skid. You want them to be at a point just under that. The resistance of 12-1/4 inch by…

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Answer 9

There is no need to unplug a brake controller when it's not in use and typically something like the Curt Reflex C51130 shuts off automatically after a certain time period-usually around 15 minutes. These won't drain your battery when sitting…

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Answer 10

When a brake controller works with the manual override but not with the brake pedal that indicates an issue on the red wire. Use a circuit tester like #PTW2993 and test the red wire. It should show power when you step on the brake pedal. If it does…

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Answer 11

A factory 7-way trailer connector isn't all you need to power a trailer's electric brakes. You still need a brake controller. Some Ford F-150s are equipped with a factory integrated brake controller, which you may have. If your 2012 Ford…

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Answer 12

I have attached a list of all the airbag kits that will fit a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. However, not all of them will work with 5th wheel brackets. The best set we have that will are the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part #F2709. This…

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How To Tell If You Have A Faulty Brake Controller

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