Troubleshooting SC Error Code on Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 05/22/2019 | Published 05/21/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(755)

$77.68

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have a 2010 dodge 2500 my brake controller shows S.C. should the blue wire on plug have voltage when applied? Mine doesn’t

asked by: Charles. B

Expert Reply:

An S.C. error code on a brake controller would normally indicate a "short circuit" on the brake output circuit of the trailer wiring. If you are seeing this error all the time that would indicate that the problem is on the tow vehicle side of the wiring. If only when connected to a trailer then it's on the trailer wiring. Either way you'll want to go over the wiring of the circuit looking for any cuts or exposed wire and fix as needed. The short could be right at where the brake controller wiring is or all the way back to the brake assemblies.

For more info on troubleshooting brake controllers check out the help article I attached.

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.