Draw-Tite 5504 Trailer Brake Controller Showing OL Error Message

Updated 03/19/2015 | Published 03/18/2015

Question:

i HAVE A 2015 SILVERADO THAT I HAD A DRAWTITE 5504 BREAK CONTROLLER INSTALLED. THE CONTROLLER SHOWS EVERYTHING IS FINE WITH THE TRAILER HOOKEDUP WHILE NOT MOVING. ONCE I START MOVING YOU CAN TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT SHOWS OL. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK RECHECKED AND THE TRAILER CHECKED BY A RV COMPANY AND IT SHOWS EVERYTHING IS WORKING FINE. AGAIN ONCE THE TRUCK AND TRAILER STARTS MOVING IT WILL SHOW OL AND EVENTUALLY WILL READ NUMBERS SHOWING. ANY IDEAS WOULD BE APPRECIATED ON WHAT I CAN DO TO RESOLVE.

asked by: GLENN

Expert Reply:

The OL or Overload error code is displayed when the brake circuit is drawing too much current, possibly caused by a short on the brake wire or a poor ground connection at the brake magnets.

I recommend examining the brake output wire on your trailer. Look for a pinched brake output wire, or any worn or cracked insulation that would allow the copper conductor to short to the trailer frame or other metal. Also check the grounding points for the brake magnets to ensure that one lead from each magnet is grounded to the trailer frame.

You will also want to make sure that the trailer connector on the vehicle and the trailer is free of damage or corrosion. If you can see green corrosion on the pins or sockets of the connector, it is possible that the corrosion has spread to the interior of the connector, and could be interfering with the brake output voltage.

I have included a link to an FAQ article with additional troubleshooting measures you can take.

expert reply by: Chris O