Continuous Voltage on Trailer Brake Output Circuit

Updated 05/18/2018 | Published 05/17/2018

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.75

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

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10 Gauge Wire - Red Primary - Per Foot

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$1.58

Question:

I am troubleshooting a Tekonsha Primus IQ controller that is six months old that has worked flawlessly up to now. The display is blank and when I push the manual slide, I receive the n.c. code for which I am familiar with in the troubleshooting code section and have tried to resolve the issue using the recommended procedure. Strangely enough, there is continuous power in the trailer plug pin in the 5 oclock position. Power remains constant at the pin even after disconnecting the controller plug from the back of the unit. After going through troubleshooting procedures, I am unable to resolve the issue. Any help that you can provide is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The problem you described sounds like a short between the 12-volt power wire on the 7-way (usually black) and the brake controller output wire that runs for the 7-way to the brake controller (usually blue). In order to solve this issue, you are going to need to trace each wire back to its origin while checking for breaks or frays in the wire(s). You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to give you a better idea where the short occurs.

If you cannot locate the short, then you may want to run a new wire from the controller to the 7-way using part # 10-1-1 (per foot) and a new wire from the 7-way to the battery using part # DW02508-1 (per foot). It will also be helpful to first check the trailer connectors to ensure none of the pins are broken or corroded. You can use part # 11755 on the trailer connectors to prevent any future corrosion problems.

I have attached our brake controller troubleshooting help article for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L