Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5504

Updated 04/03/2018 | Published 04/01/2018

Question:

Everything is hooked up correctly and I get voltage at the brakes but when I check the brake wire I have approximately 6-7 volts then when applied I get full voltage , but I only get a red dot on the controller.

asked by: Dick C

Expert Reply:

On the Draw-Tite Activator II trailer brake controller # 5504 the red dot on the front panel indicates that the unit is sending out brake power, either from you pressing the manual override lever or from applying the brake pedal.

If the controller is sending out 6-7 volts WITHOUT you doing either of those things then either the controller is wired incorrectly or it is malfunctioning internally.

The red wire on the controller is the input signal wire that tells it to send out power. This is to connect to the COLD side of the brake light switch, the side that has voltage ONLY when you press the brake pedal and at no other time. Make sure this is the wire you are using to trigger the controller.

You can refer to the linked articles and installation instructions for more information on troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Adam R