Why Would Trailer Wiring Tester Light Up Intermittenly With Connector Tester

Updated 03/22/2018 | Published 03/20/2018

Question:

Hi, I purchased a Tekonsha P3 and hooked it up to my 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. I used the Tekonsha Nissan adapter, so everything was plug and play. I dont have access to my trailer right now I used a 7 way tester to make sure everything is working correctly. Everything is work perfectly, except the brake light on the tester flashes every 4 or 5 seconds. Is this normal? Why would the controller be sending a brake signal? When I press on the brakes, the light turns solid so it appears to be working fine. The other issue is the controller says No trailer connected when I press the boost button. Is this because Im using a tester rather than a real trailer? Thank you!

asked by: Joey

Expert Reply:

Brake controllers put a very small amount of amperage on the output circuit to test for a trailer connection every few seconds. That is why you are seeing the circuit light up like you mentioned.

Since you are only using a tester that is why the controller is reading no connection.

expert reply by: Jameson C