Troubleshooting a Reese Electric Trailer Brake Controller OL Error Message
Question:
i have a reese brake controller. sometimes the brake controller does not work and it gives me a OL on the digital read out. i have checked wire connection but found nothing and it dont happen all the time,sometimes even if i am not moving.
asked by: Gary W
Expert Reply:
An OL error code would indicate an overload error. The cause of this is most likely a bad ground or a short to the blue brake out put wire. The first thing I would check is the connector on the back of your vehicle. Any dirt or corrosion can be causing a bad ground or a short to the brake out put pin. The solution is to clean out the connector and get rid of any dirt or corrosion. It would also be a good idea to clean out the trailer side connector as well.
There could also be a bad ground connection from the brake controller white wire to the ground point, on the 7-Way ground, or the trailer ground. Again, you will need to check for corrosion, clean it out, and reattach the grounds. A loose or broken wire could also be causing the problem, so if you have inspected all the grounds and there is still a problem, you will need to trace the wires to find any broken spots. It would be a good idea to check the grounds on the trailer as well.
Finally, the electric brake magnets on the trailer could be worn causing the overload. You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see any of the windings then they are worn and will need to be replaced.
To further test your magnets, first make sure the trailer is not connected when performing this test. If the trailer is connected, you run the risk of shorting out a brake controller or various other electrical components.
To test the brake magnets with an ammeter, connect the ammeter between the positive battery terminal of a separate battery and one of the magnet wires. Then, connect the other magnet wire to the negative battery terminal. Check the amperage, if the amperage is greater than the specified amount in the chart below, replace the magnet. If the reading is less than the specified amount, then the leads are bad and the magnet should be replaced.
Electromagnet Specifications:
7 inch Diameter Brake Drum:
Max Amps at 9-10.5 Volts
2 Brakes 4.7-5.6
4 Brakes 9.5-11
6 Brakes 14.3-16
Max Amps at 12-13 Volts
2 Brakes 6.3-6.8
4 Brakes 12.6-13.7
6 Brakes 19.0-20.6
10 and 12 Inch Brake Drums
Max Amps at 9-10.5 Volts
2 Brakes 5.6-6.6
4 Brakes 11.3-13.3
6 Brakes 17.0-20.0
Max Amps at 12-13 Volts
2 Brakes 7.5-8.2
4 Brakes 15.0-16.3
6 Brakes 22.6-24.5
Next, disconnect the negative wire from the brake magnet wire and connect it to the base, housing, of the brake magnet. If there is any amperage, the magnet is shorted and will need to be replaced.
Finally, using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between the brake magnet wires. If the resistance is not within the specified range below, the magnet will need to be replaced.
7 inch brake magnet resistance should be 3.8-4.0 Ohms
10 and 12 inch brake magnets resistance should be 3.2-3.5 Ohms
I have included a link to the installation details for the Pilot 2-6 Brake Electronic Brake Controller, # 80550, that you have referenced below.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pro Series Pilot Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Single Trailer Only
- Pro Series
more information >
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on Trailer Brake Controller
Vernon E.
1/17/2020
I have a Reese brake controller that doesn’t seem to work. When I apply the brakes with no trailer hooked up I just get a dot in the middle of the display screen. When I hook the trailer up I get the numerical readouts, but the brakes on the trailer do nothing.