Troubleshooting Installation of Hopkins InSight Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 08/21/2017 | Published 08/19/2017

Question:

Hello. I just received my brake controller from you folks and I have installed it. Everything seems good, the display shows numbers as I apply the manual switch, the trailer lights and electrical all have a good connection, etc. My problem is the brakes are not activated either automatically or manually. My vehicle is a 2016 Dodge Durango and the controller is a Hopkins insight. Your suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Bill J

Expert Reply:

I could not find any order history based on your email address but for the Hopkins InSight trailer brake controller if you see power levels indicated when you press the manual override lever there should be output on the blue wire that gets routed to your 7-way trailer connector.

If your Durango has a factory 7-way, installation will use wiring adapter # HM53035 to connect to the under-dash port. If it does not have a factory 7-way, then the InSIGHT would have been hardwired. Either way, if you have the unit set to full power and sensitivity and you press the manual override the controller should generate output on the blue wire.

If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2993 you can apply it to the blue output wire at the back of the controller while you press the override. If you detect a signal there, then repeat the test at the 7-way socket on the pin at the 5-o-clock position (see photo please) while a helper presses the override lever. If you detect the signal there too then the issue is likely to be on the trailer.

You can apply 12V battery power directly to the trailer plug's brake circuit to see if the brakes engage. If not, then there may be an issue in the trailer brake circuit wiring.

expert reply by: Adam R