Troubleshooting Hopkins Trailer Brake Controller That Does Not Show Connection to Vehicle
Updated 05/09/2018 | Published 05/07/2018
Question:
So hooked it all up. Quick connect for a 2011 tundra. Super easy. States within paperwork I should have a red dot on lower right corner when trailer is hooked up. Trailer is hooked up, lights on trailer working fine as usual. I can manually press slide to brake or at least the digital read out is working. I’m assuming even though my trailer is hooked up and I don’t have a dot then it’s not recognizing my trailer and thus not going to engage my trailer breaks? I’m wondering is it a wiring issue back by tow package? I checked wiring diagrams and where the electric brake is located on the 7 blade. Should be working but not. Please help. Thank you
asked by: Troy
Expert Reply:
If applying the manual over-ride lever on your Hopkins trailer brake controller, such as the Agility # HM47295, sends brake power back to your Tundra's 7-way then you know the circuit is functioning. You can test by having a helper press the lever (with the controller set to maximum output) while you apply a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to the trailer brake circuit's pin, the one at the 5:00 position as you view the vehicle socket. Please see the linked photo.
If your test indicates brake power reaching the 7-way, then the connection issue (and the reason why you do not see the dot on the display) is likely to be a short or other problem on the trailer. If there is a short in the brake circuit wiring or bad magnets on the trailer that would prevent the controller from properly detecting the connection. I linked an article on testing magnets.
You can also independently test the trailer brakes without the vehicle or controller involved simply by directly applying 12V power (from the vehicle battery or from a well-charged spare) to the appropriate contacts on the trailer plug. Please see the other photo I linked for you.
You can also refer to the two linked articles for additional troubleshooting help.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: fender light
- Shop: Caliber EdgeGlide XL Transition Plates for Enclosed Trailers - 72" Long -
- Shop: Caliber EdgeGlide 2.0 Transition Plate for Enclosed Trailers - 72" Long - Qty 3
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: ThinLine LED Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 2 Diodes - Rectangle - Red Lens
- Shop: Thinline LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submerisble - 2 Diodes - Amber Lens
- Shop: Black Bracket and Single Plug-N-Go Plug for Thin Line Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Lights
- Shop: etrailer Enclosed Trailer Transition Plate - Universal - 1,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 2005 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Where to Ground Wire When Installing Hopkins Trailer Wiring Kit # 43315
- Shop: RV Covers
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Hopkins Agility Reads 10 Followed by 0 When Brakes Applied
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Hopkins Impulse Brake Controller Not Operating Trailer Brakes w/ Brake Pedal
- Q&A: What Does SC Message Mean On Hopkins Agility Brake Controller, # HM47295
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Hopkins Impulse Trailer Brake Controller Error Message OE
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: The Function of the Auxiliary 12-Volt Connection on the 7-Way Trailer Connection
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee C55774
- Video: A Closer Look at the Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Installation of the Firestone Airide Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs on a 2021 Ford F-350
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Full-Size Ford Truck or SUV
on Trailer Brake Controller
