Why is my trailer brake controller not working?
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 controller. The red wire needs to attach to the stop light switch above the brake pedal.
Where does the red wire for the brake controller go?
The red wire needs to attach to the stop light switch above the brake pedal. It connects to the wire on this switch that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed.
What kind of power does a brake controller have?
First, make sure the brake controller is on and receiving power. Most brake controllers have 4 wires, blue (brake output to trailer brakes), white (ground), black (12 Volt power from vehicle battery), and red (stop light switch).
Why is there no power on the blue brake output wire?
If there is no power on the blue wire when the manual override is activated, the brake controller is probably bad and would need to be replaced. If you have a proportional brake controller and are testing for power when the brake pedal is pressed, there will be no power on the blue wire.
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 controller. The red wire needs to attach to the stop light switch above the brake pedal.
The red wire needs to attach to the stop light switch above the brake pedal. It connects to the wire on this switch that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed.
How can I tell if my brake controller is working?
Use a 12V probe-style circuit tester to verify that power is present at OEM connector. You should be able to get a solid power reading on one pin/slot, a reading on a second pin/slot only when the brake pedal is pressed, and at least two other pins with no power present.
Can a brake controller be connected to a positive battery?
Verify that the white brake controller wire (ground function) is connected to the negative battery terminal. Verify that the black brake controller wire (12V power function) is connected to the positive battery terminal with a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker installed in line.
