Troubleshooting a Pilot Hidden Hitch Electric Brake Controller Only Activating Brakes with Override

Question:

After setting the controller output level, as directed in the instructions, the pilot brake controller doesnt appear to be functioning properly. I can stop my fifth wheel camper using the manual overide, but when I apply the brake pedal nothing happens. I just get a continuous output reading of .cinch as if the truck 2004 Dodge Ram is doing all the work in stopping the camper. Could this just be that I need to increase the output setting and keep trying?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

It sounds to me like the issue you are having is on the stoplight circuit (red wire). What it sounds like is that your brake controller is hooked up, but the red wire of the brake controller is not seeing voltage when you apply the brakes so the brake controller is not applying the brakes. This explains why the override lever can still activate the brakes.

The .c that you are seeing displayed when the brakes are applied shows that everything is hooked to the trailer correctly but that the controller is not activating the brakes. I would use a circuit tester like a # 3808 to determine if the wire you chose to connect the stoplight circuit of the brake controller to has voltage when the brake pedal is applied.

expert reply by: Jameson C