Meaning of Flashing OL Code on Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller

Updated 09/25/2024 | Published 07/06/2020

Question:

what does an OL error code mean?

asked by: Bill D

Expert Reply:

The OL code on your Draw Tite Activator # 5504 has a different meaning depending on if the trailer is connected or not, but in both situations it indicates an overload or a short on a wire.

If the OL code is flashing without the trailer connected, then the short is in the Blue wire from the back of the controller. You'll want to trace this wire starting at the brake controller back to your vehicle's 7-Way to find the damaged or pinched section of wire that is causing the short and repair it with a new section of wire.

If the OL code is flashing with the trailer connected, the the short or overload is due to the trailer's brakes or brake signal wires. The Activator's Trouble Shooting Guide lists a possible solution as trouble shooting the brake circuit per the brake manuf.'s instructions. I would trace the brake signal wire on the trailer from the brakes up to the trailer wiring connector, again looking for any damaged or pinched sections of wire that need to be replaced. If the brake signal wire has no damage, then it is possible that the brake assembly components are bad and need to be replaced.

I have attached a screen snip from the Activator II's instructions that shows the Trouble Shooting Guide.

expert reply by: Victoria B

click to enlarge

Mark B.

9/25/2024

I have an Activator II. When the trailer is attached, activating the brakes sitting still in the driveway displays correctly, 3.5, and I can hear the hum from the brakes on the trailer. When driving, when the brake is pressed the numbers look like they rotate between OL and 3.5 over and over. If I move the setting to 2.5, it does not do that. ???? I attached another (newer) drawtite controller and it also seems to work sitting still, but afte releasing the brakes it displays ER. (I have not tested that controller on the road).