Troubleshooting Reese Brake Controller Digital Display With No Trailer Connected

Updated 01/28/2015 | Published 01/27/2015

Question:

On the Reese 74643 brake controller do I need the trailer connected to get the digital readout to display on brake controller? If so why does the trailer have to be connected? I understand I should see a dot when brakevpedal is pushed will I also see digital display with trailer not connected? Thank you for help

asked by: Pat

Expert Reply:

I believe the Reese Brakeman Brake Controller you mention is the same controller as the Activator IV Brake Controller, part # 5504.

You will want to make sure your controller is wired correctly. If you take a look at the attached instructions for the # 5520, you will see that it states that you will have the dot displayed when the trailer is not connected. When you hook the trailer up you will see the digital displays.

Under the CONTROLS section it states that the Output setting is shown on the digital display when a trailer is connected and the brake pedal is pressed or the Manual Control is actuated.

In the SETUP section it states that the for Preliminary Adjustments with the trailer connected the Display will show the Output setting. It makes no mention of the controller showing a display other than the dot when the trailer is not hooked up.

If you are troubleshooting your controller and find it needs to be replaced, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This is our most popular because it is easy to install and operate.

I have attached links to a couple of helpful articles you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L