Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator 5504 Constant Braking

Updated 08/07/2018 | Published 08/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

Hi there, Ive had this system for about a month now, and it has been working fine. Suddenly the activator showed a red light, and the brakes are self locking up. I cant figure out why... I checked my breakaway plunger, and it seems fine. Any help?

asked by: Daniel G

Expert Reply:

Your Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 is showing a brake signal when that red light is on. It sounds like you are getting power on the red wire of your controller constantly and should only be getting power when you hit the brake pedal.

I recommend confirming this using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to probe that red wire. If that is getting constant power, then you will also have constant power on the blue output wire. It sounds like you may have a brake light switch going bad, a short in your wiring, or an issue with your brake controller itself.

The probability of you having constant power on that Red wire is high and would indicate your brake controller is working correctly but you have bad brake light switch in your vehicle. If this isn't the issue, let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.

expert reply by: Jason S