See what our Experts say about this Draw-Tite Trailer Brake Controller

• Troubleshooting a Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 that Only Displays a Dot
  Sounds like the problem lies somewhere in the brake output circuit. When a trailer is connected to the Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 and all that is displayed is a decimal point it means that the controller is not sensing a trailer being connected. Typically the problem lies in the trailer connectors. Usually there is corrosion on this circuit that prevents the circuit from being completed. Check both the inside and outside of the connector for corrosion or exposed...
  view full answer...
• What is the Red Wire Function on an Electric Trailer Brake Controller
  The red wire on the brake controller connects to the stop light wire on the brake switch located above the brake pedal. You will need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to probe the wires. You need the one that shows a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that has a signal when the headlights are on or when the turn signals are engaged, it is not the correct wire. Brake Controller Wire Colors and Functions: The white wire is ground The blue wire is output...
  view full answer...
• Troubleshooting ER Code on Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller
  I wish I had better news, but the ER code means that there is an internal problem on the Draw Tite Activator part # 5504 and that it needs to be replaced. For a new brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the...
  view full answer...
• Where Is Factory Brake Controller Plug Located On 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  On your 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac the factory plug for your brake controller will be located under the dash, on the left side of the steering wheel, just above your left leg. The wiring adapter you will need to connect the Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 to your vehicle is the Draw-Tite Brake Control Wiring Adapter # 3035-S. This adapter will have a 6-pin plug that will connect to your factory brake controller plug and the 4 wires on the other end will be butt-connected to the 4...
  view full answer...
• Troubleshooting A Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller That Won't Sense The Trailer
  Hey Phil, Are you hitting the manual override when you're testing the output of your Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 or are you just hitting the brake pedal? Is the decimal point always on the display or only while you're pressing down on the brake pedal. If you are seeing the decimal point all the time then you have the red wire from the brake controller harness spliced into the wrong wire for the sold side of the brake light switch. LED lights don't really have...
  view full answer...
• Why is my Brake Controller Reading Overload and How Can I Find Where the Problem is?
  If your controller, item # 5504, is reading overload without the trailer connected then that means there is a short in the blue trailer feed wire on the vehicle. If the controller is reading overload only when the trailer is connected then there is a short or overload in the trailer wiring or breaks. Use a circuit tester, item # 3808 if you need one, to test the wiring to find out where the short is. If it is on the trailer end and you cannot find a wiring problem then the problem may...
  view full answer...
• Where is the Brake Switch Wire on a 2014 GMC Savana Van to Install a Brake Controller
  I can tell you were to access the correct brake switch wire to install a brake controller on your 2014 GMC Savana Van. You will need to access the wire behind the BCM (body control module) located behind the dash on the passenger's side of the vehicle. There should be a brown connector coming out of the back of the BCM. At that connector you should find a light blue/white wire. This is the wire that carriers the dedicated brake light signal. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to confirm...
  view full answer...
  
• Best Brake Controller & Harness For A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  Yes, the Trailer Brake Control Harness part # 3016 4-pin connector is a direct plug-and-play fit for your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD and compatible with all Tekonsha brake controllers. The pigtail harness is located underneath your drivers side kick panel. The next step in choosing a brake controller is to decide between a proportional and time-delayed brake controller. A timed delay controller functions with a slight delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in...
  view full answer...
• Troubleshooting Brakes Not Working on One Side in Mountains
  Hi Vincent; have you tried checking the voltage at the brakes with a circuit tester # PTW2993? Perhaps one side has a weak ground compared to the other or for whatever other reason isn't getting the same amount of power. Since the brake controller sends power down a single brake output line and the brakes function I don't think the brake controller is your issue. However, it wouldn't hurt to check the brake output line just to be sure. It sounds like you're getting more braking force...
  view full answer...
• Troubleshooting Poor Brake Performance and Low Brake Output Voltage
  First thing I would check is the blue wire that is at the rear of your vehicle for voltage when you apply the brakes and when you slide the manual override of this controller. You could also try sliding the manual override a few times and adjusting the gain knob up and down to help clear the contact points. I attached a link to the manufacturers instructions for your Draw-Tite Brake Controller, part # 5504, below for you to check out also. If all this checks out it sounds like the problem...
  view full answer...
• Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Draw-Tite Activator
  It sounds like there is either a problem with the wiring of your Activator Brake Controller # 5504, the wiring of your vehicle/trailer 7-way or the # 5504 is bad. The first thing to check will be the 7-way of your vehicle. You will want to visually inspect the front and back of the connector looking for loose wiring or corrosion and fix as necessary. Next, you will want to test the brake output circuit of the 7-way with a circuit tester, like our # PT89ZR, for the correct voltage when...
  view full answer...
• DrawTite Activator Brake Controller 5504 Flashing Error Code
  It sounds like you installed the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5100 in a vehicle with an integrated factory brake controller. If that is the case, installing an aftermarket brake controller like the Activator will cause the instrument cluster to flash the error code you mentioned. While this can be annoying to look at, it does not interfere with proper functioning of the aftermarket brake controller. The only way to clear the code is to take the vehicle to your local dealer...
  view full answer...
  
• Brake Controller for Motorcycle
  Hi David; are you using this for some kind of side car or are you towing a trailer? If you're towing a small trailer I would use the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller # 3430001 since it mounts on the trailer. This means you don't have to worry about finding a spot for it on the motorcycle. It uses a small wireless remote you could mount anywhere with ease. If it is for the side car I would use a time delayed controller like # 5504. It would be difficult to properly mount a proportional...
  view full answer...
• Factory Brake Controller Port Location on 2017 Nissan Titan
  To install the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 that you referenced to your 2017 Nissan Titan, all you will need is the Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3050-P if the truck is equipped with the factory 7-Way. One end of the harness will plug into the brake controller itself, while the other end will connect directly to the factory port on your Nissan Titan. The factory brake controller port should be located behind the dash, on the left hand side by the emergency brake pedal....
  view full answer...
  
• Display of the Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller When Not Connected to a Trailer
  The Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller, # 5500, will not display numbers under any function when the trailer is not connected. You should only see a single decimal on the display. Check out the video that I made showing you how the brake controller should function without a trailer connected. If you do not have any signal on the display, then there could be an electrical issue that is preventing power from reaching the brake controller. If this is the case, I would recommend using...
  view full answer...
  
• Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring That Stopped Working on 2005 Chevy Silverado
  I'd check the backside of the connector for the condition of the wiring. Most likely something damaged some wiring if several of the circuits just stopped but one is left working. Another possibility is corrosion on the pins of your 7-way. You can try cleaning them with sandpaper. Or you can also check the trailer wiring fuses underhood to see if you can find any blown fuses.
  view full answer...
• 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Bracket Kit for a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed
  I do have a solution for you but the Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Universal Install Kit # C16616 is not confirmed to fit your 1995 Chevrolet 1500. The E16 hitch will work just fine for you. It's a sliding hitch which will help with turning clearance since you have a short bed truck. For the hitch use # 16516. Then you need a bracket install kit with base rails. A universal it that does fit your truck is # RP30035. This fits just fine with the Curt hitch. You may also want...
  view full answer...
• Replacement for Malfunctioning Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller
  Based on your description of the problem with your Draw-Tite brake controller I suspect an internal fault within the controller itself. There is a chance that the red input signal wire could be loose, and this would cause the unit to stop generating output, but it would not explain the varying power level displayed. That specific issue makes me think that the internal circuitry has finally given up the ghost and the controller needs to be replaced. I recommend the # 5504 in its place....
  view full answer...
  
• What Does Sync Control On Brake Controller Do For Trailer With Electric Brakes
  Setting the sync on a Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5504 allows you to set the amount of power the brake controller will put out. If you set the sync power low it does not matter how hard you hit the brakes, as they will be applied with the amount of pressure you set the controller at. If you are traveling where there is gravel or loose rock or even in the rain you may wish to set it a bit lower so that the brakes do not lock up on the trailer when you press the pedal. If you are on the...
  view full answer...
• Locating The brake Switch Wire To Install A Brake Controller On 2009 Nissan Murano
  When trying to locate the correct wire on the brake switch to install your # 5504, you will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. You will need to find the wire that shows power only when the brake pedal is depressed. The colors of the wires may vary which is why we always recommend using a circuit tester to find the right wire. It sounds like the manufacturer may have used the same color wire for multiple locations. I have attached a photo of the switch located under the dash at...
  view full answer...
  
• What Does ER Error on an Activator Brake Controller Indicate
  It sounds like you meant to type the ER code that would be on an Activator IV part # 5504. That indicates that there is an internal problem and the controller would need to be replaced. For a brake controller replacement I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and...
  view full answer...
• Draw-Tite Activator 2 Diagnosing Decimal/Period Error Code
  If the trailer is connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "NO CONNECTION BETWEEN BRAKE CONTROL AND BRAKES - BLUE WIRE CIRCUIT", possible solution is "CONFIRM CONNECTION TO TRAILER CONNECTOR, CONFIRM CONNECTOR TERMINAL POSITIONS, CHECK TRAILER". In other words, there is possibly a connection issue somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer's brakes, which is all along the blue wire. If the trailer is NOT connected to the vehicle when this happens, it means "RED...
  view full answer...
• Wire Diagram for Installing a Voyager Brake Controller on a 2002 Ford F-250
  On your 2002 Ford F-250 you will need to connect the Red wire to the Black wire on the brake controller for +12 Volts power and the Light Green wire to the Red Stoplight wire on the brake controller. The Dark Blue wire is connected to the Blue wire from the brake controller to send power to the Trailer Brakes, and the White wires are connected to each other providing a ground for the brake controller. I posted a diagram with your wire colors added to it for you, see drawing at right. The...
  view full answer...
  
• Meaning of Flashing OL Code on Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller
  The OL code on your Draw Tite Activator # 5504 has a different meaning depending on if the trailer is connected or not, but in both situations it indicates an overload or a short on a wire. If the OL code is flashing without the trailer connected, then the short is in the Blue wire from the back of the controller. You'll want to trace this wire starting at the brake controller back to your vehicle's 7-Way to find the damaged or pinched section of wire that is causing the short and repair...
  view full answer...
  
• Bypassing Factory Brake Controller and Installing Aftermarket Model on 2018 GMC Sierra 3500
  There isn't anything like an autonomous controller that would step up if the factory controller fails. I'd simply bypass the existing factory brake controller. The GM ITBC, although it works better now than the earlier models has been problematic enough that Tekonsha who provides many of our aftermarket brake controllers has a technical bulletin that specifically addresses how to bypass the factory controller. Let's just say you aren't the only one that's had problems with the factory...
  view full answer...
• Recommended Brake Controller and Wiring for 2018 Chevy 4500 Cutaway Motorhome
  For your 2018 Chevy 4500 Cutaway Chassis, the brake controller wiring you will need is the hardwiring kit # 5506 to connect to your 7-way. If you don't already have the 7-way then use # ETBC7 for your brake controller and trailer wiring. For your brake controller, I recommend using the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR. This will give you a really clean look for your motorhome and it won't take up usable space.
  view full answer...
• Brake Controller Fit and Install Harness for 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
  For your 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 the Prodigy P3 part # 90195 would be an excellent option for a brake controller that is confirmed as a fit. All you need is the correct install harness, part # 3016.
  view full answer...
• Parts Needed for Converting Trailer to EOH Disc Brake Operation
  To convert a trailer with hydraulic disc brakes to electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) actuator operation you will need to either replace or immobilize the existing surge coupler so it no longer compresses. A bolt installed horizontally through the coupler will immobilize it. Then you will need an EOH actuator with the required 1600-psi pressure that can operate your disc brake calipers. I suggest the HydraStar # HBA16. You do not need to replace your brake lines or breakaway kit but you will...
  view full answer...
• How to Extend Tekonsha Brake Control Wiring Harness 8 Inches
  The only way to make the Tekonsha brake controller wiring harness # 3016 longer would be to splice in some wire to the length needed. This harness has just 4 wires so you can use bonded 4-wire, # DW04923-1. It is sold in lengths of 1 foot.
  view full answer...
• Wiring 3rd Brake Light on Truck Bed Cap for 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500
  If you follow wiring harness feeding the 7-way trailer connector from the bumper up toward the spare tire and peel back the wire loom, you should be able to find an additional blue wire in the harness. The blue wire carries the 3rd brake lamp signal for your bed topper. For the interior dome light, you can get 12 volt power from the black wire feeding the trailer connector. You'd want to install a switch on the circuit like part # PK34513. One of the wires would be power, the other ground....
  view full answer...
• Brake Controller Recommendation for 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 to Bypass Integrated Brake Controller
  We can help bypass the OEM controller of your 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 but to answer your first question you do not need to take truck to dealer to have any check engine lights addressed. I would recommend the Prodigy P3 part # 90195 for you because this is widely considered to be the best brake controller that stops trailers in the smoothest and safest way but more specifically for you I recommend it because it has ability to save trailer settings so you can easily switch between two trailers...
  view full answer...
• Toubleshooting Trailer Not Connected Check Trailer Wiring Error on 2019 Silverado 3500
  Are you getting any errors related to the brakes? It looks like the 2019 Silverado 3500 detects the trailer through the running light circuit so it may not be brake related. I would start by double checking the vehicle and trailer connectors for damage or corrosions. I would also check all of your ground connections and make sure there is no damaged wiring on the trailer. If it also gives you brake related errors it could be brakes themselves or the brake controller. The P3 # 90195 can...
  view full answer...
• Best Brake Controller & Harness For A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  Yes, the Trailer Brake Control Harness part # 3016 4-pin connector is a direct plug-and-play fit for your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD and compatible with all Tekonsha brake controllers. The pigtail harness is located underneath your drivers side kick panel. The next step in choosing a brake controller is to decide between a proportional and time-delayed brake controller. A timed delay controller functions with a slight delay between the time that you initially apply the brakes in...
  view full answer...
• Looking For Plug And Play Cable For Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller On 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500 Diesel
  Hello Richard, thanks for reaching out. Yes, we do have a Tekonsha custom plug and play pigtail for the 2019 Chevy High Country 3500 Diesel. You can use the following: - Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers # 3016 You will need to disconnect the factory controller and route the plug to your desired location on the dash.
  view full answer...
• How to Bypass a Factory Brake Controller in a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 to Install Prodigy P2
  In order to bypass your factory installed controller and install an aftermarket brake controller like the Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90885, with Plug-In Wiring Adapter, # 3016, you will have to make a couple of cuts and connections. First you will cut the blue wire on the plug-in wiring adapter and connect it to enough 12-gauge blue wire to reach the rear of the truck. Now at the 7-way trailer connector at the back of the truck, you will cut it's blue wire approximately...
  view full answer...
• Custom Brake Controller Wiring To Plug A Prodigy P2 90885 Into 2017 GMC Yukon XL SLT
  Hi Michael! The Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers # 3016 is what you are looking for. This will get your Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885 plugged right into your 2017 GMC Yukon XL SLT. Luckily, Tekonsha uses the same port on the back of all their controllers, so this will fit perfectly! What kind of trailer are you towing?
  view full answer...
• Installing a P2 Brake Controller in a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  All you will need to install the P2 brake controller in your 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is the proper wiring harness. For your truck it is # 3016. There was a time when you would have to hardwire the brake controller to the tow package wiring on GM trucks. But for your 2016 GM went back to providing a port to plug it right in. I have included a link to a video showing how and where the 3016 harness installs.
  view full answer...
• Disabling 2016 Chevy Factory Brake Controller and Adding Prodigy P3 # 90195
  To install an aftermarket brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195, you will also want to get the wiring harness # 3016 for your 2016 Chevy 2500. To diasable your factory controller, you will have to make a couple of cuts and connections. I've attached and article to assist. First you will cut the blue wire on the plug-in wiring adapter and connect it to enough 12-gauge blue wire to reach the rear of the truck using # 12-1-1 sold by the foot. Now at the 7-way trailer connector at...
  view full answer...
• Installation of Prodigy P3 Electronic Brake Controller in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  Installing the Prodigy P3 # 90195 in your new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado all you need is the wiring adapter # 3016. It's plug and play just like the P2 was in your 2014. I've linked a video for you as well.
  view full answer...
• How to Bypass Factory Integrated Brake Controller on 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500
  Installing the P3 brake controller # 90195 on your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 with factory integrated controller will actually be very simple. What you will do is use harness # 3016 which plugs into a port on the truck already. But you will need to remove the blue wire from the end that plugs into the truck. You will then take a length of wire, # 10-1-1, and connect it to the blue wire you removed from the connector. Route the blue wire through the firewall, under the truck, and to the...
  view full answer...
• Aftermarket Brake Controller Install in GM Truck or SUV Equipped With Factory Brake Controller
  What you describe is pretty much the procedure. You'll first choose the brake controller you're wanting to use. One of my favorites is the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195 because of how easy it is to use. The P3 features a full LCD display that actually tells you in plain English (or French or Spanish if you prefer) what's going on with your trailer braking system. You won't need to memorize error codes or learn Morse code to determine that that series of flashes means. You'll also need the #...
  view full answer...
  
• Recommended Brake Controller And Plug-In Harness For 2021 Suburban Z71 With Tow Package
  For your 2021 Chevy Suburban, I recommend going with the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90885. This is an easy to use controller that works very well with trailers that have electric brakes like yours. I use this exact one on my vehicle and I love it. You will also need Tekonsha Plug-In Adapter # 3016 which allows you to connect the brake controller to your factory tow package plug. I attached some demonstration videos to help.
  view full answer...
• Where Does Brake Controller Install Harness Plug in 2023 Chevy Suburban RST
  Your 2023 Chevy Suburban RST does come with the factory tow package so there would be a harness under the d ash near the emergency brake pedal that the part # 3016 would plug into. This would allow you to use a brake controller like our very popular and great performing Prodigy P3 part # 90195 which would be a really great option. Behind the emergency brake pedal on the Suburban mounted on the floor will be a black plastic cover that covers an electric junction box. If you remove the...
  view full answer...
• What Part Number do I Need for my 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 for Prodigy P3 and Pigtail?
  Hello Kent, Great choice in brake controller, definitely my go to. For your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500WT you will want the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # TK57HR, this part number will come with the P3 and also the vehicle specific pigtail for you Chevy as it is a kitted part number. Are you getting the brake controller to tow something fun, or for work?
  view full answer...
• Best Brake Controller for a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  The best brake controller on the market is arguably the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 because it has safeguards to protect both the vehicle and trailer in the event of a wiring short, storable settings if you need to tow multiple trailers, and it is just super dependable. It also comes with a lifetime warranty so it will most likely be the last brake controller you ever have to buy. In order to install the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 on your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado...
  view full answer...
• Factory Brake Controller Port Location on 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500
  The factory brake controller port on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is in your vehicle's junction box underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, just above the carpeting. If you take a look at the accompanying photo you can see exactly where it is. You will need to access this box in order to use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers # 3016 which will work with Tekonsha brake controllers such as the outstanding Prodigy P3 # 90195. I have added...
  view full answer...
  
• Is Carlisle Control Adapter Module # HBA-CAM Needed on 2015 GMC 2500HD with Factory Brake Controller
  Due to the problems that you are currently having while towing your 2014 Mobile Suites with Mor/Ryde electric over hydraulic brakes, I recommend installing the Carlisle Control Adapter Module, # HBA-CAM. The factory brake controller on your 2015 GMC 2500HD is not compatible with the electric-over-hydraulic brake actuators on your trailer and installing the adapter will correct this. As for the Hydrastar not coming on when the brake pedal is depressed at a sitting position, this is due...
  view full answer...
• How Does Prodigy P3 Brake Controller Install in 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500
  The install process of the Prodigy P3 # 90195 with the # 3016 in your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is just like the install video I attached which happens to be the same as the on you referenced. You do not have to run any wires to the rear of the truck as they are already ran from the factory! The # 3016 plugs into the 4-pin connector in your Chevrolet Silverado 1500's junction box. The box is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, just above the carpeting.
  view full answer...
  

Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?