Er or E1 Error Message on Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 04/08/2015 | Published 04/07/2015

Question:

my brake controller is displaying the trailer is attached when it used to display e1 under this circumstance.

asked by: Gerald S

Expert Reply:

If you have the Activator brake controller 5500 then the error you are seeing should be Er (though on the display it might look like E1). This indicates an internal problem with the controller and it will likely need to be replaced. It would have to be sent back to Draw-Tite to determine what is even causing that particular message.

When a brake controller shows that a trailer is connected even though there is no trailer connected it is almost always caused by a short. And the short is almost always caused by a dirty or corroded vehicle side trailer connector. Make sure the connector on your vehicle is clean and free of corrosion inside and out, especially on the pins and where the wires attach inside the connector.

If you do not have the Activator but instead have a Hopkins brake controller such as the Reliance then you would see an E1 error which means no trailer is connected. If it happens when a trailer is connected then again it is likely a dirty or corroded trailer connector.

I have included some links on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers as well.

expert reply by: Michael H