Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Shows Connection When No Trailer is Connected

Updated 03/25/2019 | Published 03/23/2019

Question:

Hello,I have a curt discovery brake controller installed on a 2011 Toyota sienna LE with a 3.5L v6 engine. Last year my brake controller was working fine, then over this past winter, I got a new battery. I reconnected the wires to the terminal the same way it was disconnected from the old battery, and now, everytime the brakes are pressed, with NO trailer. The output reading shows 2.5 as if the trailer was connected. Any suggestions would be much appreciated Thank you

asked by: Stefan A

Expert Reply:

Most likely what happened is that over the winter your trailer wiring connector at the rear of your vehicle developed some corrosion which is now confusing the brake controller pin on your 7-way into thinking a trailer is connected. This is very common and all you have to do is clean the pins of the controller and it should start working again.

expert reply by: Jameson C