Brake Controller Wire Functions By Wire Color
Updated 06/30/2020 | Published 10/26/2009 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
i have a kelsey energizer brake controller, the wires aint mark what goes to what, i have a blue one, a black one, a red one, and a white one, the colors are the same for my harness that plugs in under my dash
asked by: frank
Expert Reply:
The wires exiting the rear of your controller serve the following functions. The blue wires carries the brake output from the controller, the white wire is the ground, the black wire supplies 12 Volt power, and the red wire is tied into the vehicle brake wiring. If the wiring adapter you have is an aftermarket harness, it should wire up color for color. To the right I have attached a picture of a diagram of how brake controllers wire to tow vehicles.
To be safe, I would suggest using a circuit tester such as part # PTW2993, to verify the connections. Without wiring the controller, plug in the harness. Test the socket for the black wire to verify the presence of voltage, test the socket for the red wire to verify that it gets voltage when the brake pedal is pressed. If this checks out, it would be safe to wire up the controller.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 55152
- Search Results: 30 amp fuse
- Search Results: 30 amp inline fuse
- Search Results: 4 to 7 pin adapter
- Search Results: 7 way to 4 way adapter
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: 4 inch rise
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Wiring for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Ball Mount - 6" Rise, 8" Drop - 11-1/2" Long - 5,000 lbs
- Video: Checking Out the Performance Tool Circuit Tester and Probe Light
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Ball Mount w/ Pre-Torqued 2" Ball - 2" Hitch - 2-3/4" Rise - 7,500 lbs
- Q&A: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13381 Height When Installed On a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: Wiring A Trailer So That Turn Signal And Brake Signal Are Separated
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Curt Ball Mount
- Q&A: Does Replacing Trailer Wiring Connector Require Disconnecting Battery
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan



Perry
6/22/2020
I have a hydraulic brake controller only has three wires? Blue, black, red, how am I going to ground this