How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
Question:
Should I get a continuous 12 volts from the blue wire lead in the back of the truck or should it only read 12 volts when I press either the brake pedal or the brake switch/slider on the brake controller. If I am getting 12 volts all the time is this a sign that the controller is no good.
asked by: James R
Expert Reply:
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 tester, and check the red wire that exits the rear of the controller. This wire should only go hot when the brake pedal is pressed. If this checks out ok, then the controller is bad and must be replaced. We have a video that shows how to bench test a brake controller, I'll give you a link to the video below.
If you find that you need to replace the controller, I'd recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. The P2 is a proportional controller for safer, more predictable braking. The P2 is very highly rated because of how easy it is to use.
Duane L.
4/11/2024
I have a 2021 Colorado with 3.6 cy, towing package. I do not have any voltage on F24 in the under hood fuse block that is supposed to be the positive for a brake controller. Even with the fuse out. Does the 2021 have to be programmed to power the fuse block?
Mike L.
4/18/2024
Rick L.
6/11/2024
Your reply above makes no sense to me. You say the red wire should only go hot when the brake is pressed, and if this checks out ok then the controller is bad. Seems like you are saying if it works like it should then it’s bad?? I have a voyager xp brake controller. The green light comes on when connected to trailer. The green light goes red, and the trailer brakes engage, when pressing the manual slide. The green light stays green and I can’t feel the trailer helping my tow vehicle stop when pressing the brake. The fuses seem fine and my brake lights work. I am well within the year warranty so I tried returning the controller, but because I had cut the plug off, in order to hard wire it, they wouldn’t take it back. Tekonsha should include the other half of the plug, with pigtail, since their plug fits nothing, and because it forces people to cut and hard wire, which kills the warranty. Tekonsha told me to go on their website and submit a warranty claim. It wants a JPEG picture of the receipt. My iPhone pictures are PDF’s so it wouldn’t take it. I converted the picture to a jpeg file and it still wouldn’t accept it. So frustrating…
Jose P.
7/8/2024
Hi Mike. I have a 2017 ram 2500 that factory brake controller might stop working my question is if a replace the module and toggle switch. Do I need to get the computer reprogrammed for the new controller. Thanks
Mike L.
7/10/2024
Cody S.
10/10/2024
Mike, I have a REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, it is hooked up to the factory wire harness in my 2011 Silverado 1500, I’m having an issue where I have 12v power on the red trailer signal wire. What could be the cause? With power on that wire it keeps the trailer brakes engaged at all times.
Products Referenced in This Question
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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Jordan W.
6/15/2020
I took my Silverado 1500 ltz to the dealership because of the recall on the brakes. After I got it back. The trailer brake system keeps popping on. Even tho I never use the trailer brakes. They want to charge me 90 dollars to bring it in. Even tho the recalls where for the brake systems. Never had an issue until I got it back.