How to Test Trailer Brake Controller with Direct Power Input to Bypass Vehicle Wiring

Updated 04/17/2019 | Published 04/16/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Question:

I get 12 v from plug pin from battery and output to trailer. Control doesn’t light up at all to show signal wither trailer is hook up or not. Is this a controller issue or wiring problems. I tested 2 trailers with same results. No light on controller unit.

asked by: Sarilyn

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have confirmed that your Draw-Tite Activator # 5504 trailer brake controller is getting power on its black wire and that its white ground wire is secured to the vehicle chassis or to the battery ground terminal, then you should see something on the unit's display screen. A totally blank screen indicates that the controller either has a power or ground wire problem or that it is damaged internally.

If you happen to have a spare 12V battery around you can test the unit directly which bypasses all of the vehicle wiring. Connect the charged battery's positive terminal to the pin for the BLACK power wire on the controller's plug; and connect the battery ground to the pin for the WHITE ground wire. The controller display should become active. If the unit does not light up at all even with this direct power input then it is damaged and should be replaced.

For a controller that does not need to be wired you can use the Curt Echo # C51180. This does cost a good bit more than the Draw-Tite and most wired controllers but it gives you the easiest installation possible. The only requirements are that you have a smartphone (that serves as your display and control panel) and a 7-way socket on the vehicle that has a functioning 12V power circuit. The Echo plugs in to the 7-way and the trailer plugs in to the Echo. There is no other wiring needed so if the problem is within the vehicle wiring the Echo will completely bypass it.

expert reply by: Adam R