Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator II Brake Controller

Updated 03/18/2019 | Published 03/16/2019

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Question:

Controller works fine for a while then shows So? I cant seem to find any answers on this

asked by: Yvonne

Expert Reply:

The troubleshooting guide for the (discontinued) Draw-Tite Activator II 5500 is actually the same as the Draw-Tite Activator IV # 5504. The instructions (with the troubleshooting guide) for the Activator IV are linked for you to reference but I have also clipped the guide for the Activator II that you can check out.

I'm pretty sure the So code you are talking about is either the Sync display meaning that the Sync Control has been moved or the 2.0 display meaning that you are having connection issues between your brake controller and trailer brakes. If the former is happening without you messing with the controller then the controller probably needs to be replaced but if it's the latter then you simply need to do some troubleshooting to figure out what it going on.

Start off by checking both the connector on your tow vehicle and your trailer making sure that there is no corrosion or debris that would be causing connection issues. If this looks good then use a tester like part # PTW2991 to make sure that the brake controller output on your vehicle 7-Way (5 o'clock position) is receiving power when the manual override is used.

Next take a 12V battery and ground the negative terminal while using the positive terminal to check the brakes on your trailer 7-Way pin (7 o'clock position). If you are getting inconsistent brakes then this is likely the side that is having issues.

Either way the troubleshooting is the same. Follow the wire that carries the brake controller signal and be sure that all of the wiring looks good and that you don't have any places where there is exposed or bent wiring. You can replace bad wiring with 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5.