Troubleshooting a Brake Controller that Has Voltage on Output Circuit all the Time

Published 02/24/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.67

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$160.71

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.41

Question:

have 2006 dodge 3500 elec brakes were working fine now do not work ! has draw tite II ran test in video black wire 12 v red .93 v blue 12 v with or with out trailer hooked up only has decimal point when brake applied with pedal or manually

asked by: Ernie W

Expert Reply:

If the brake output circuit (blue wire) has 12 volts on it all the time that means that most likely the controller also has 12 volts on the red wire (stoplight switch) as well. If not, then that means the controller is damaged internally and needs to be replaced.

If the red wire has 12 volts all the time it is connected to the wrong circuit on your vehicle. You want to use a circuit that only sees 12 volts when the brakes are applied and none when released. You may need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to find this circuit near your brake pedal.

I attached a help article on troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out as well.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C