Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Works Intermittently

Updated 06/29/2015 | Published 06/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(357)

$103.31

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have set up the controller correctly to my knowledge and when the pedal is pressed it goes to my pre ed amount of braking, sometimes. It works for about 5 or so times, but then it stops and for me to have use of the trailer brakes I have to use the manual slider. The vehicle is a 2014 Ram and I used the correct harness for the new rams as well. Thoughts?

asked by: Gerrymcconnell

Expert Reply:

Either the wiring of your brake controller is bad or the brake controller itself is in need of replacement. Testing the brake controller will determine which.

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.

expert reply by: Jameson C