Reese Brakeman IV Electric Brake Controller Wont Engage Trailer Brakes

Updated 03/05/2019 | Published 03/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1781)

$20.99

Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(734)

$83.95

Question:

Hello, I spoke with a rep recently and purchased an adapter part 3035-p to hook up to my 07 Ford E450 coachman freelander RV. It has a tow package installed. I hooked it up to the port under the dash and connected it to a REESE towpower 8507111 brakeman IV controller. When I press the buttons on the controller it lights up and I can change the settings. But when I press the brake nothing lights up. I checked the receiver at the bumper while having the brake pressed and theres no current and the trailer brakes dont engage while towing. Any suggestions or ideas? Thank you for your time,

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3035-P is correct for your 2007 Ford E-450 as well as the Reese Brakeman IV Electric Brake Controller 8507111. Therefore, the issue would appear to be a fault in the brake controller itself or wiring between the brake controller and trailer connector. In order to test this you will first need to sever the blue brake output wire behind the controller and then use a multimeter to test for continuity.

If you have power at the blue brake output wire with the manual override applied but not the brake pedal then you know there is an issue with the stop light switch wire (red) between the brake controller and stop light switch or the brake output wire (blue) between the brake controller and trailer connector. However, if you do not have power at the blue brake output wire with the manual override applied then the brake controller is faulty and will need to be replaced. This will be a good time to upgrade to a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 which will offer much smoother and reliable braking output. The Tekonsha Voyager also comes with a 5 year warranty.

I have attached a review video for you.

expert reply by: Conner L