Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller In 2008 Ford F-250 Not Working When Brake Pedal Is Pressed
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
My trailer brakes dont want to work when I apply the pedal but will work with the manual slide. I have 3 trailers and all are the same.
asked by: James H
Expert Reply:
I am sorry to hear that you are having this issue!
Since the issue is not tied to a specific trailer but instead is happening with every trailer then the issue is going to be either how the controller was installed, or possible a bad stop light switch on your truck. With that said if your trailer brake controller is proportional, then it will not have power via the brake pedal unless your truck is moving.
It looks like you were looking at stuff for a 2008 Ford F-250 and assuming that is the vehicle you have the controller should be installed with a plug in adapter so no splicing is required.
Test the red wire going on the back of the controller with a circuit tester # PTW2993. With the brake pedal pressed you should have power, but no power any other time. If you do not have power to that wire even when pressing the brake pedal then the issue is the stop light switch has gone bad.
If for some odd reason the controller was hardwired to your truck instead of an adapter then go ahead and check the stop light switch for a wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed, and make sure that is the wire connected to the red wire on the controller.
I included a link to a helpful article that goes over wiring for you to take a look at.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Circuit Tester
- Tow Function Tester
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Shop: Piranha LED Clearance or Side Marker Trailer Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Rubber Grommet Mounting Kit for Peterson 2-1/2" Round Trailer Lights - Recessed Mount
- Shop: Piranha LED Clearance or Side Marker Trailer Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Round - Amber Lens
- Shop: Insulated Clamp Kit - 1/4" Diameter Mounting Hole - 42 Pieces
- Shop: Tekonsha Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-in Battery Charger - Side Load
- Q&A: Trailer Brakes Wont Work with Brake Pedal Using Factory Ford Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Kodiak Ceramic Brake Pads - 8,000 lbs to 14,000 lbs
- Shop: Disc Brake Caliper for Dexter 10,000-lb to 12,000-lb Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Q&A: Why Would Trailer Brakes Only Work With Manual Override Lever and Not Brake Pedal
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Video: Set up: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector on a 2020 Subaru Ascent
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Does Tekonsha Trailer Wiring Circuit Tester Activate Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Can 8010 Tekonsha Trailer Wiring Circuit Tester Test Brake Controller Circuit
- Q&A: Comprehensive Vehicle Side Trailer Connector and Wiring Tester
- Q&A: How To Test 12 Volt Signal On Ford Truck Trailer Connector Without Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer hitch
on Wiring
