Troubleshooting Predator DX2 Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever

Question

Question:

The DX2 has been installed for 4 years and was working correctly. The unit use to say the output whenever I applied the brakes with or without the trailer which is ok, however now it only says 1.4 no matter how hard I depress the pedal. The emergency or manual slider works correctly still reading outputs up to 13. The two dials do not make any difference to this 1.4 sometimes 1.5.

asked by: Shaughn H

0

Expert Reply:

The controller shouldn't have been showing voltage without a trailer connected. Typically this is caused by corrosion on the 7-way which is putting a slight draw on the circuit and causing the controller to think a trailer is connected.

If the controller isn't applying the brakes with the brake pedal typically that's due to an issue with the red wire of the controller though. This wire needs to see 12 volts to know you are applying the brakes so that it can then start activating the trailer brakes. Check to make sure the red wire of the Predator part # 58-8 is making a solid connection to the stoplight circuit of your vehicle and also that the circuit has voltage. You can check this with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The manual override lever does not move when you hit your brake pedal but the digital display will light up and give you a reading. The slide is only for the manual emergency braking or to apply additional braking pressure to your trailer as desired…

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Answer 2

The red wire from your Dexter DX2 brake controller #58-8 needs to be wired to the cold side of the stop light switch, which on your 2013 Chevy Silverado corresponds to a light blue wire with a white stripe. This wire should ONLY be hot when the brake…

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Answer 3

The brake controllers available now either are only on when they are activated, or a have a timed shut-off or idle state after a certain time period. Some of the older brake controllers never shut-off, but they did not drain battery power as the only…

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Answer 4

Sounds like your brake controller will apply your trailer brakes if you apply the manual override lever but not when you press the brake pedal. This is a fairly common problem and the solution is the red wire of the brake controller. Make sure it is…

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Answer 5

Trailer brake controllers such as the Prodigy P2 #90885 will draw an extremely tiny amount of power when the vehicle is off, but this is only what it takes to illuminate the small LED light. This power draw is so small that it would take several…

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Answer 6

I would be happy to help! The difference between the two RoadActive Suspension Leaf Spring Enhancement Kits for your 2021 Chevrolet Express Van 2500 is the #RAS2611-V is for cargo vans, and the #RAS2613-M is for passenger vans. Since your van is a…

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Answer 7

Sometimes brake controllers need to be reset as they get a weird internal bug. Try unplugging yours for a minute or so and replugging in and see if that helps. Here's how to test the controller though: Testing the brake controller is fairly easy.…

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Answer 8

You'd want to use the 20 amp circuit breaker like #PK54220PL unless your trailer has more than two brake axles. If that's the case you'd want to use the 30 amp breaker #38630.

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Answer 9

You should be able to use bracket #2178. I have included a picture showing the measurements for you. I was able to read the instructions for the controller from the Dexter site but I can send you a copy in a separate email.

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Answer 10

According to Dexter Axle, it's perfectly normal for the display to light up and display .0 when a trailer isn't connected. This will happen regardless of if the vehicle is running, as the controller has a constant 12V connection to the…

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Answer 11

According to the Dexter Predator #58-8 Brake Controller installation instructions, if your truck lights are not illuminating properly with the manual override is activated, then you will need to check the red stoplight wiring connection. The brake…

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Answer 12

I recommend installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED52VR on your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This controller is proportional and takes up much less room than the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller #58-8 you found. This…

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Troubleshooting Predator DX2 Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever

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