Brake Controller Display Shows Changing Numbers when Not Using the Brake Pedal

Updated 03/06/2017 | Published 03/03/2017

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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Question:

Hi Why are the numbers changing when Im driving. Its going up and down between 0.0-2s when Im not even braking

asked by: Joshua

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of reasons that the brake controller display changes when you are not braking but they are related to a short somewhere. The most likely culprit is a dirty/corroded vehicle or trailer side connector. Or it could be a short in the magnets or the controller itself. There are ways you can test the controller to see if it or something else is causing the issue.

In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H