Trailer Brake Controller Brake Controller Manual Override Switch Is Not Working

Updated 10/13/2011 | Published 10/12/2011

Question:

I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra purchased used. Has a Reese/Brakeman compact brake controller. The controller manual switch does not activate the trailer brakes or the controller LED light. If I wiggle/work the switch a bit in the full on position I can get the light to come on sometimes. Brake pedal does activate the trailer brakes and controller LED. Is this unit dead? in need of replacement? Ive always used the manual switch to set initial output/sync on the trailer. Thanks for any help you can provide.

asked by: Rae R

Expert Reply:

What you can do is to fully engage the manual override lever and then let it snap back into place. Do this several times to clean the contacts on the inside of the unit. Dirt, dust, and other debris can get in there over time and cause some issues like this.

Since the brakes are working when you step on the brake pedal, it is most likely a problem with dirty contacts. If you find that this does not solve the issue, something has gone bad in the brake controller and it will need to be replaced. There are no user serviceable parts inside the brake controller.

expert reply by: Michael H