How to Adjust the Power Trac Brake Controller on a 2004 Grand Cherokee Overland with AccuTrac

Expert Reply:

It sounds as if you will need to adjust the power settings on your brake controller. There is only one adjustment on the Tekonsha Power Trac Brake Controller, item # 39523. It is the power gain setting and should be adjusted so the trailer brakes are close to but do not lock up, with each different load on the trailer.

The Power setting is turned up and down to increase or decrease the amount of power sent to the trailer brakes. If you have the power setting set too high on a time delayed controller the power sent to the brakes, even in a slow stopping situation, will cause the brakes to lock up. This is why it is important to readjust the controller each time the load on or in your trailer changes.

The brake pedal switch wire your brake controller is connected to on your Overland with Accutrac should have power only when the brake pedal is activated. The red wire going into the brake controller only tells the controller that the brakes have been activated and that the trailer brakes need to be applied. This wire does not control output in any way, the brake controller, controls output, so if the red wire is connected to the proper source and the brake controller cannot be adjusted, it probably needs to be replaced.

If you determine you need to replace the controller, I would recommend the Prodigy P2 brake controller, # 90885, which brakes in proportion to the speed in which the vehicle is slowing. This type of controller works more seamlessly and reduces wear on the vehicle and trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Bob G