Hopkins Agility Brake Controller Shows 13 and E1 on LED Display
Updated 05/27/2015 | Published 05/25/2015
Question:
I have a 2008 Ford Expedition I installed the brake controller and now it has a 13 on it no matter what i do the number wont change off 13. Is this the reading i would have if i dont have a trailer attached or will i be able to adjust wants I hook up the trailer. When I flip the switch on the right side it gives a a code of E1 witch means there is no trailer. Witch setting should I have it set on.
asked by: Jack D
Expert Reply:
The 13 might be the E1 error only displaying upside down for some reason. If this continues to happen even after a trailer is connected then there are some things you can check.
The vehicle side trailer connector might be dirty or corroded causing the errors on your brake controller. Check the vehicle side trailer connector for dirt or corrosion in the connector that may be causing your connection problem. Corrosion can also build up behind the connector where the wires attach.
Next, check is to see if your manual brake override brake lever will work with the trailer connected when the controller is reading the E error code. If the override does work when you are seeing the E, you most likely are having a problem with red stop light switch wire that is coming off of the brake controller. There could also be a blown stop light or CHMSL fuse. Use the owners manual to find their locations on the vehicle.
You would want to check the condition of the connections of that wire at the controller and where it runs to a stop light switch. Next, try severing the blue wire at the back of the brake controller, leaving plenty of wire to reconnect it, and then test all of the wires going into the brake controller and coming out of it. This will tell you if the controller is functioning correctly or not.
Also, be sure the ground on your controller is good. A brake controller should be grounded to the negative battery terminal if it is hardwired to the vehicle.
You can also use a circuit tester like, part # PTW2993, and have a friend apply the brakes while you test the circuits on your trucks trailer brake pin for the proper signals. If you do not have voltage there you will need to check the wiring, on the back of the plug, for any obvious damage and repair it. If everything checks out, you will need to trace the wire all the way back to the brake controller looking for any nicks or breaks on the way.
