Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller That Doesn't Show Trailer Connection

Published 02/28/2019

Question:

My trailer brake controllers light doesn’t come on and doesn’t seem to work but the trailer brake tab in the socket has constant power. All tabs have power except the battery tab. Not sure what’s going on with it but it seems my trailer brakes are tightened up when driving due to the constant power to the plug but they don’t engage more when I press brakes or the manual override on the controller. Thanks

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have some corrosion on your trailer wiring connector which is preventing your controller from sensing a trailer connection and being able to activate the trailer brakes. This is a very common problem and all you typically have to do is take some sandpaper to the pins on the trailer connector and you'll get a solid enough connection for the controller to start working again.

I also attached a help article on brake controller troubleshooting for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C