Troubleshooting Malfunctioning Brake Controller and 7 way on a 2002 Ford F-150
Published 10/14/2009
Question:
I have a 2002 Ford F150 supercrew with factory tow package 7 way & 4 way. I installed a brake controller Hopkins Agility and adapter pigtail. Plugged it into the factory plug under the dash. Break controller indicated there was a trailer connected when there was not. Checked the 7way, it had water in it. Dried it out, checked trailer brake contact in 7way plug, test light was faintly illuminating. Checked with volt meter, it showed 4.5 volts on the trailer brake leg of 7way plug. I dont think there is supposed to be any power on the trailer brake leg of the plug, when the brake controller is in standby mode, vehicle off, and no trailer attached. When you press the manual override switch, the brake lights on my truck come on. Is that normal? Brake controller is not displaying an error message. I am thinking I have a defective brake controller. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
asked by: Adam R
Expert Reply:
My first thought is that the water has corroded some of the connections inside the 7 way port and something is getting crossed. The connections inside the plug are fairly close together so water damage could be the root cause. I would replace the 7 way with either part # 118242 or part # 30955 depending on how the factory wiring is done. It would be a good idea to clean the connectors on the truck, and use some dielectric grease like part # 11755 to protect the connectors from future water damage and corrosion.
It is possible that the brake controller was set up wrong or is defective. Using the installation instructions for the brake controller, set up the brake controller from the beginning making sure to adjust the power levels of the controller. Brake controllers should not go bad right away as they are made to provide years of service.
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Q&A: Trailer Brakes Will Not Activate When Pushing The Brake Pedal
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Not Working When Brakes Are Applied but Works With Override Switch
- Q&A: Factory 30 Amp Fuse for Trailer Brake Control vs Auto Resetting Fuse on a Ford F-150
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: What to Know About the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller
