Should Brake Controller be Sending Power Without Brake Pedal Being Pressed

Updated 08/27/2018 | Published 08/26/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(357)

$103.31

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(26)

$26.67

Question:

Reading through some posts on the same subject, youve said there should be no voltage showing out of the controller when static. However, mine shows between 1.5 and 2.0 VDC static at the connector. Is this ok? Thanks for some great answer. Very helpful.

asked by: Jeff H

Expert Reply:

Is your # 5504 brake controller receiving power from the brake pedal (red wire on controller) without you touching the brake pedal? If that is the case then it sounds like you have a short that needs to be fixed. Sometimes a brake controller will show a little pulse in the power which is it just testing to see if there is a trailer connected, but this is usually very minimal and not as much as you are mentioning.

Try using a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to see if the red wire is receiving power without your brake pedal pressed, let me know what you find, and I can help you troubleshoot from there.

expert reply by: Jon G