Trailer Brakes do Not Work with the Reese Towpower Brake Controller

Published 08/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Pro Series Pilot Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed

(31)

$70.19

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(26)

$26.67

Question:

Hi, I have installe the Reese Towpower 8508211 Brake Control on my Kia Sedona 2015. I have signal for all the slights but nothing for the trailer brakes. When I press the brake pedal, the dot lights on but stay steady and no numbers appear on the screen. I bought a 7 way circuit tester. What happens when I press the brake pedal, its that the stop brakes lights on right turn and left turn at same time but no brake signal. I used a 20 amp and a 40 amp breakers to connect it to the battery and the 12v signal it is on when I plug the tester. Would you give some advice on this please?

asked by: Orlando

Expert Reply:

When you take a look at the legend for the codes on the Reese Towpower, which was renamed as the Pilot # 80550, it says that when the dot appears it means that the brakes are being applied but it does not register that the trailer is connected.

This may be the result of either your tow vehicle side connector being dirty or your trailer side connector being dirty. Check both of them and clean out any dirt or debris.

If that doesn't fix it then try using a tester like part # PTW2992 to test the pin in the 5 o'clock position while someone either uses the manual override or presses the brake pedal. If you get a signal then that means the power is getting to the 7-Way on your vehicle and the issue is likely on your trailer. If not then the issue is isolated to your tow vehicle.

Either way, if cleaning out the connector doesn't fix the problem you will need to check the wiring for the brakes. Make sure that there are no damaged or pinched sections and replace as neccessary.

expert reply by: Jon G