Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working with Ford Factory Brake Controller

Updated 04/24/2017 | Published 04/23/2017

Question:

I see my actuator on my 2013 Wilson trailer is a 071-650 model. Is my 2013 Ford super duty integrated controller compatible? The brakes do not work. I switched over the setting on truck to EOH but does not work.

asked by: Brian H

Expert Reply:

The Ford factory brake controllers are listed as compatible with the Dexter electric over hydraulic actuator # K71-650. It is possible that something else is going on causing the unit to not work.

There are some common things to check:

Check to see if the white ground wire runs directly to the tow vehicle ground. IT MUST NOT BE GROUNDED TO THE TRAILER ONLY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS GROUND WIRE RUNS DIRECTLY TO THE TOW VEHICLE'S BATTERY GROUND. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Detach all wires from the Dexter Axle E/H unit leaving only the blue, black, white and yellow wires. It is important that the unit is disconnected from any other wires going to the towing vehicle or breakaway switch and breakaway battery. Failure to do so may result in a faulty test.

Using a 12 volt battery, connect the white wire to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

Connect the black wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should not run. If the motor runs, the unit may be defective.

Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Connect the blue and black wires together to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize. If this does not occur, the unit may be defective.

Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Connect only the yellow wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize.
If this does not occur, the unit may be defective.

If the unit checks OK, reconnect the wires leading to the trailer plug and repeat the steps at the trailer plug. If you do not get the same results as before, the problem is in the trailer wiring or the electronic brake controller.