Video and Info to Help Troubleshoot Brake Controller

Published 10/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Pro Series Pilot Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed

(31)

$69.93

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.41

Question:

both 4 pin and 7 pin connectors on bumper have left turn not working, but bulb on taillight works. could this be caused by a bad pilot controller?

asked by: Homer S

Expert Reply:

We have videos that cover how to test and troubleshoot a brake controller. I attached the link to this video on this page.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Homer S.

10/1/2019

both 4 pin and 7 pin connectors on bumper have left turn not working, but bulb on taillight works. could this be caused by a bad pilot controller?

Jameson C.

10/1/2019

The brake controller and the brake controller wiring are not related to the trailer turn signals so the issue you are experiencing would not be related to your Pilot brake controller. Since both the 4-way and the 7-way have the left turn circuit not working the issue is most likely a bad trailer wiring fuse under the hood of your vehicle. I also attached a help article on trailer wiring troubleshooting for you to check out as well.