Troubleshooting Activator II Brake Controller

Published 07/14/2017

Question:

Hello and thank you for your time. I have a 06 Chevy 2500 HD 8.1. I believe the wiring is stock, the controller is a draw-rite activator 2. My trailer is new and the other trailer Ive been using does the same thing so I think its the truck. I have not done any checks yet other then checking the plus for corrosion which I dont see any. SOOOO, when I push the brake peddle some times the brakes work and other times more so then not they dont. The manual brake leaver does the same thing. So my questions is, is there a wiring issue I should be looking for or is it safe to say the controller is junk? Again thank you

asked by: Brandon

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your manual override is not working, I recommend checking the output wire (blue) with a circuit tester like # PTW2993. This tester light should gradually get brighter as your manual override is increasing intensity. If that works, then you just may need to adjust your brake controller settings for increased intensity because it may only see it when you press really hard on the brakes if it is set too low. If that isn't it, check your ground wire to make sure you have a clean connection without corrosion. I've attached an article to assist in troubleshooting.

If this doesn't solve your issue, you most likely need a new controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 because the display makes troubleshooting so much easier in the rare case of an issue because there is no code deciphering needed. This is an extremely reliable controller with a great reputation.

expert reply by: Jason S