Troubleshooting Tekonsha Commander Brake Controller

Question

Question:

I installed an older Tekonsha Commander on my 2004 Dodge Ram using the Harness P 3020 that I purchased at Etrailer. I had to remove the controller side plug and hard wire the original controller plug to harness as per your excellent advice. When I plug in my trailer to the factory 7 way, the controller does not light single green light nor does it activate the brakes when applied also no progressive red lights on controller. With test light I have power to controller plug: Black wire = constant power Red wire = Power when Brake applied. I even disconnected plug and used the white wire as ground for my test light with same results: Black = Power Red = Power when brake applied. I do not get any power on Blue wire Electric Brake in any scenario: Brake Applied with Trailer plugged into 7way or Brake applied w/o Trailer plugged into 7way. Should Blue wire power if brake applied in either scenario? Could Controller be bad? Is there further testing I can do that Ive over looked? HELP!!!!!!!!! Its camping season and I need the brakes on my 28foot camper to work!!!!!!!

asked by: Robin C

0

Expert Reply:

Given the testing you've already completed, power is reaching the controller and the vehicle is correctly delivering the stop lamp signal to the controller via the red wire. However, if you're not getting any power on the blue wire when tested directly after exiting the rear of the controller with the brake pedal or with the manual brake switch, the controller is faulty and should be replaced.

I'd recommend going with a proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. A proportional controller can sense how quickly the tow vehicle is braking, and will send the correct amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate. The older time delayed controllers, like your Commander will always send the same amount of voltage to the trailer brakes (according to how you've adjusted it) whether you've tapped on the pedal or having a full out panic stop. A proportional controller provides safer, more predictable braking.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

When using the #3016 to install a Tekonsha or Draw-Tite brake controller on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500, you're looking for the 2 plugs on the left hand side and you will install the controller adapter in the upper one; there should be a…

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Answer 2

The green light of your Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller part #39510 is to show that the brake controller senses a trailer being connected. If you can't get the green light to come on plus your brake output pin on your 7-way is reading full…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 8

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Troubleshooting Tekonsha Commander Brake Controller

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