Troubleshooting a Hayes Energizer Brake Controller with Trailer Brakes Not Working

Published 11/26/2013

Question:

I have had the Energizer 3 for about 9 years or so, now I get no braking application. I also get nothing when I use the manual slide. The red light does come on when I step on the brake pedal, get no response from the controller. In order to check if I am getting output on the blue wire, do I need to be connected to the trailer?

asked by: Meredith B

Helpful Expert Reply:

You do not have to have your trailer connected to your vehicle when testing the brake controller. Also, when testing the brake controller make sure that the gain is adjusted high enough to give a correct brake signal.

You are correct in that you will need to test the blue wire that is the output wire to your brake controller. I recommend using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the wiring both the input and the output side of the blue brake controller wire. I also recommend checking the connections of all 4 of the wires that are associated with the brake controller as input and output. You will want to make sure that the brake controller is receiving and sending the proper signals, and that there is no damage to the connections.

If the vehicle that you have this brake controller in has a prep wiring harness, or if you had the brake controller hardwired for installation, you will want to check the all the wiring connections, any fuses, and circuit breakers that are installed in-line with the wiring for this brake controller. Also, check your vehicle fuse box(es) and make sure that any fuses associated with the brake controller are not blown or damaged.

Additionally, specific to your Hayes Energize brake controller you need to make sure that the pendulum lever arm is aligned properly. Please see the photo that I have included.

Also, when the brake controller is in automatic mode, the braking will initiate only when the pendulum sensor detects deceleration. Therefore, when the vehicle is parked, and the brake pedal is depressed, only a portion of the brake signal is output to the trailer. This is because the pendulum sensor is not detecting deceleration.

If after checking the wiring to and from your brake controller, and the brake controller is receiving the proper input signals, But it is not sending the correct output signals then there is an internal issue with the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

I have included several helpful articles regarding troubleshooting a brake controller, brake controller wiring diagrams, and vehicle and trailer wiring diagrams for your reference.

I have also included video showing testing the wiring on a brake controller for your reference. This is a different brake controller but the testing procedure is the same.