Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2001 Ford Expedition  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are having problems with the brake controller on your Expedition.

You will want to check your owner's manual and locate all the fuses and relays labeled for Trailer Tow, and make sure they are all installed. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and have someone use the manual override on the brake controller in the vehicle to make sure you have power to the pin on the vehicle 7-way.

If you are using wiring harness, make sure that extra white ground wire is attached to a clean bare metal surface. If it is hardwired to the truck, the ground needs to be connected to the negative battery terminal.

Sever the blue wire a few inches back from the controller and use your circuit tester to test the wire. If it shows voltage without applying the manual override, then this indicates a problem inside the controller, and it will need to be replaced. If the issue stops, there is a wiring problem somewhere between the controller and 7-Way.

The controller will send a small amount of power back to check to see if a trailer is connected but it should be just a tiny amount. Applying a circuit tester to the wire could trick it into thinking there is a trailer connected because it adds more of a load on the system.

You would need to check to make sure the wiring is intact on the harness and on your truck including the grounds. If you cannot find a wiring or ground issue, then something is wrong with the internal components of the brake controller, and it will need to be replaced as there are no internal serviceable parts. I have attached a helpful article that explains brake controller installation you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0