Trailer Brakes Do Not Activate With Brake Pedal When Trailer is Sitting Still
Question:
I have to get back over to that project and do some more troubleshooting. So, based on answer that I received; " it is possible that the trailer brakes may not apply via depressing the brake pedal while sitting still", what would be the appropriate way to check and see if the trailer brakes are working properly via depressing the foot pedal? Just a reminder, I jacked up the trailer while everything was hooked up, spun the wheels and had someone hit the brake pedal (the tractor had full air pressure), the brakes did not apply. I spun the tires again and had them use the "Controller's" override sliding switch and the brakes locked up immediately. I also learned that the "controller's" green light stays on constantly (even when the key switch is off) and is warm to the touch. This does not seem right to me.
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
Actually that is a possibility. Proportional brake controllers will not engage the brakes with the pedal unless the tow vehicle is in motion.
Another possibility is the red wire from the brake controller isn't connected correctly. It needs to be connected to the cold side of the stop light switch or the wire that is hot only when the brake pedal is pressed. I would also check any fuses related to towing and replace if necessary.
If none of these ideas solves your problem let me know and we'll continue to troubleshoot.
Amber
4/11/2020
I just bought a new truck that has one of the Prodigy trailer brakes. My old truck had the same one. As I’m driving it always shows a reading and fluctuates. My new truck does the same thing. So is this normal? I’ve just been turning it all the way down and then when I need them I turn them up and apply manually.
Chris R.
4/13/2020
Amber
4/13/2020
From what I can tell it seems like it only works when I use the manual lever. But idk for sure because if i use the manual lever i can feel it jolt a little. If i use the break it doesn’t do that. It shows a constant output number but it’s only while I’m moving and it’s constantly changing numbers.
Chris R.
4/15/2020
Chris R.
4/16/2020
Shawn
8/27/2024
Iv bought two brake controllers for my 2000 chevy silverado 1500, first controller worked for a few months then quite. I bought another it has never worked. The manual slide works the trailer but the pedal does not. Iv checked fuses and red wire .could my pedal switch cause my problem.
Jon G.
8/27/2024
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
more information >
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Jeff
12/28/2016
I have to get back over to that project and do some more troubleshooting. So, based on answer that I received; " it is possible that the trailer brakes may not apply via depressing the brake pedal while sitting still", what would be the appropriate way to check and see if the trailer brakes are working properly via depressing the foot pedal? Just a reminder, I jacked up the trailer while everything was hooked up, spun the wheels and had someone hit the brake pedal (the tractor had full air pressure), the brakes did not apply. I spun the tires again and had them use the "Controller's" override sliding switch and the brakes locked up immediately. I also learned that the "controller's" green light stays on constantly (even when the key switch is off) and is warm to the touch. This does not seem right to me.