How to Fix the SC Error on the Hopkins Agility Trailer Brake Controller

Published 10/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Question:

Hooked up controller its showing SC

asked by: William

Expert Reply:

Per the instruction manual for the Hopkins Agility Trailer Brake Controller part # HM47294, the error code "SC" indicates that you have a short circuit. The shorted circuit could be on either the blue brake output wire, the red stop light switch wire, or the black 12 volt power wire.

If the error only occurs while the trailer is connected then you know the issue is most likely on the trailer but if the error occurs while the trailer is not connected then you know the issue is most likely on the vehicle. Before you start tracing the wires back, take a quick look inside the trailer connectors to make sure there is no corrosion or bent pins.

If the issue is found to be on the vehicle side then you will want to sever the brake output wire about 6" back from the controller. If the error message goes away then you know there is a short on this wire somewhere between the vehicle side trailer connector and the end you just cut. You can either trace the wire or replace it entirely with part # 10-1-1. If the error message remains after the brake output wire is severed you will want to do the same to the red wire after you reconnect the brake output wire. If the error message goes away then you know there is a short on this wire but if not then the only other circuit would be the 12 volt power.

If the issue is found to be on the trailer then essentially you just need to trace the blue brake outwire back from the trailer connector while checking for breaks or replace it entirely with part # 10-1-1. There aren't any other wires on the trailer that would cause the error on the brake controller.

expert reply by: Conner L