Troubleshooting Brake-Force Brake Controller
Question:
We have a Brake Force controller that we have used for the last 5 years with no problems. Recently, I noticed that the yellow light brake activated stays on, even after the brake pedal is released with no trailer attached. I bought a new controller and the same thing happens. We tried it with our trailer and the trailer brakes stayed engaged with or without our pressing the brake pedal. Where could the wiring issue be?
asked by: Christine
Expert Reply:
If your Hopkins Brake-Force is always applying power to your trailer brakes that generally means one of two things: 1) a short in the wiring you will need to find or 2) faulty connectors. Often, corrosion or dirt may be the cause of a short in a trailer connector. Check the plug to see if there is any type of corrosion built up that may be hampering its functionality.
It could be the wiring to the brake magnets or possibly the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for wires that may be pinched or otherwise damaged and fix as necessary. You'll also need to make sure the ground wires are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.
You'll want to visually inspect the magnets; if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To test the magnets use Multimeter # PT89ZR and follow the help article I have linked to guide you.
I have also attached some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out which I strongly recommend reading.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: tekonsha p3
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: 8508220
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Force Brake Controller Not Functioning
- Q&A: Should I Get a Proportional or Time-Delayed Brake Controller
- Q&A: How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes
- Article: Testing Brake Controls
- Q&A: P3 Brake Control Shows No Trailer Connected Even with Trailer Connected to 2002 Ford F-150
- Q&A: No Trailer Connected Error on Tekonsha Prodigy P3
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer hitch
on Wiring
