Time Delay Brake Controller Sends Constant 12 Volt Signal To Trailer Brakes With No Brake Pressed

Updated 06/10/2010 | Published 06/09/2010

Question:

I have a N5500 brake controller, the black wire is 12v all times, the white wire is grounded, the red wire is 12v only when I push the brake, but the blue wire stays 12v all the time even when not pushing the brake. I cut the blue wire and the output from the brake controller blue wire is a steady 12v no matter what I do with the controller even after disconnecting the red wire, do you think the controller is bad?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

There is a method you could perform to clean any dirty contacts within the brake controller. Try sliding the manual lever quickly all the way to the left, then let it snap back. Do this several times. Check to make sure that the lever returns all the way to the far right position when released.

If this method does not clean the contacts and take care of the problem then something is wrong with the internal circuitry of the brake controller and the brake controller will have to be replaced.

I recommend switching over to a proportional controller like the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. I would choose a proportional controller because they provide the smoothest and quickest braking while also providing the least amount of wear on both the vehicle and trailer brakes. I have included a link to the installation details below.

expert reply by: Michael H