Troubleshooting Fading Brake Output with Tekonsha Powertrac Trailer Brake Controller # 39523

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha about the Powertrac Brake Controller, # 39523. She stated that if the testing you are doing is with the vehicle and trailer parked, when you step on the brake or use the manual override, the output will go to the preset limit, but then, since the voltage is not needed, it will fade out. When moving the voltage will stay applied.

She also suggested testing the blue output wire using a test light like # 3808 while stepping on the brake. Having the testing light on the blue wire will simulate a load and the green LED light on the controller should stay on. If the green light is not staying on when you step on the brakes, make sure you have constant 12 volt power to the controller on the black wire and that the white wire is grounded to the negative battery terminal.

If you can find nothing wrong in the connections, there could be an internal problem with the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H