Troubleshooting Brake Controller When Brakes Do Not Respond To Brake Pedal Being Pressed

Updated 10/19/2015 | Published 10/18/2015

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Question:

trailer breaks are not working as before. I jacked up the trailer and tested the breaks with the break peddle vs the override on the Tekonsha Primus controller. Breaks work with the override but not with the break peddle. Am I missing something? Seems like they should work with either.

asked by: JL

Expert Reply:

Since the brakes work with the manual override, I recommend checking the red brake signal wire going into the back of the brake controller.

You will want to use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to test the red brake signal wire. There should be signal on this wire when the brake pedal is pressed. If there is no signal on the wire when the pedal is pressed, you will want to ensure the wire connection is secure. If your vehicle uses a vehicle specific brake port adapter, you will want to make sure the plug is fully seated in the brake controller port.

If there is constant signal on the red wire, or if you find the wire connection is secure, you can check the brake lite switch wire. The red wire from the brake controller should be connected to the brake lite switch wire, which only has signal when the brake pedal is pressed.

I have attached the installation instructions for the Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller # TK90160 for you, as well as a link to a help article on troubleshooting brake controller installations. If these steps do not provide a solution for you, I will be happy to offer further troubleshooting for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B