Why is my Brake Controller Reading Overload and How Can I Find Where the Problem is?

Question

Question:

I have this brake controller, and when I press on the truck brake, the controller reads OVERLOAD what does that mean? Where is the problem, is it the controller or the trailer brakes? This problem just started.

asked by: Jerry F

0

Expert Reply:

If your controller, item # 5504, is reading overload without the trailer connected then that means there is a short in the blue trailer feed wire on the vehicle.

If the controller is reading overload only when the trailer is connected then there is a short or overload in the trailer wiring or breaks.

Use a circuit tester, item # 3808 if you need one, to test the wiring to find out where the short is. If it is on the trailer end and you cannot find a wiring problem then the problem may be that the brake magnets are worn out and they will need to be replaced. If you can see the copper windings in the magnets then they are in need of replacement. We have replacement magnets available (see link).

expert reply by: Robert G

0

Randy M.

7/17/2020

We just bought a new trailer with brakes. I traded in a trailer and recently bought a curt echo. Worked fine on old trailer but can't get green light on echo. If I push the orange circle I get overload. Do I have a short in the trailer wiring?

Chris R.

7/22/2020

You mentioned not getting the green light - so is the Echo not even pairing on your vehicle anymore? I would try resetting the Bluetooth on your phone and also making sure you're going through the Echo app to pair it (not actually through the Bluetooth settings on your phone). Then for the trailer side, make sure its 7-Way connector is free of any debris or corrosion that could be causing a short, cleaning out as needed. Especially if it's an older trailer, ensure the ground wires for each brake assembly are still securely attached to clean, bare metal.

Randy M.

7/22/2020

@ChrisR I done some checking and was able to get a solid blue light but no green. Long story short had a bad wire connector under the brand new trailer. Thanks for your input.

Chad

3/15/2025

I also am getting an OVERLOAD code, not on just one trailer but my brand new trailer as well. I’ve taken the truck into the dealership and they did their testing with no results….assuming a short within the brake controller. The receptacle plug is also new.

Jon G.

3/15/2025

@Chad It definitely could be the brake controller, so it would be worth trying a different controller to see if that would help.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 2

Hello Dorsey. If you are looking to still use your OEM brake controller on your 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 you could always add the Adapter Module for BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator - OE Ford, GM Brake Controllers #DX35FR, this should fix the…

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Answer 3

The OL or overload error code indicates a short in the brake output circuit. As a first step, you will want to see if the problem exists with the wiring on the trailer or on the vehicle. Due to its intermittent nature, I'm suspecting a loose…

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Answer 4

Generally when the Curt Echo Under-Dash #C27JR says the 7-way is disconnected but it isn't, the issue is actually the 7-way is problematic, either on your vehicle or trailer. I'd check to make sure the 7-way on both does not have bent pins,…

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

I am having some trouble identifying the brakes you have on your Fleetwood. They do look like they might be 12 x 2 inch brakes, but the bolt pattern is odd. It looks like it may be the Dexter #23-105-106-09, but this is for a 6,000 axle. This is…

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Since you are seeing the electrical overload only when pressing the manual override, it sounds like your vehicle wiring is supplying more than 12V power to the Echo #C51180. If this is only happening when you use the manual override, then goes back…

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Answer 9

This The OL error you're seeing means that there is a short somewhere in the brake output circuit, which is the blue wire that exits the rear of the controller. The usual cause of this is a corroded or damaged trailer connector, but because this…

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Answer 10

When you state you have the harness coming for the Curt product, I assume you are meaning the custom wiring harness for your Curt Triflex Brake Controller #C24VV. When your controller is properly wired for your vehicle side trailer connection, then…

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Answer 11

If you check out the attached instructions for the Curt TriFlex Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV you can see that the OL code you are getting means that there is an "Overloaded output circuit, trailer brake system fault". Whichever…

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Answer 12

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Why is my Brake Controller Reading Overload and How Can I Find Where the Problem is?

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