Display of Pilot Brake Controller # 80550 Is Blank When Trailer is Not Connected

Updated 05/31/2024 | Published 04/25/2014

Question:

i just installed my trailer controller on my 2002 f350. i used the factory harness. i just got this vehicle, i have no history on it. i used the tekonsha pilot from my last truck... but cant remember if i should see any lights until i hook up my trailer... nothing on at this time.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The Pilot brake controller will not show anything on the display unless a trailer is connected or the manual brake switch or vehicle brake pedal is pressed. If you apply the brake or the manual brake switch, and see the decimal point on the display, then the controller is correctly installed and all is well.

I've linked you to a copy of the owners manual for the Pilot brake controller, as well as to a copy of our brake controller troubleshooting article that you might find helpful in the future.

expert reply by: Mike L

Len C.

5/21/2024

I just installed a 8550 on a 2022 nissan frontier sv with brand new 7pin plug. I plugged my brand new 2024 black rhino trailer into my plug and all I get is a decimal point when I hit the brake. There is no (c) telling me it's connected to a trailer.

Mike L.

5/23/2024

@LenC With the trailer unplugged, use a circuit tester that uses an incandescent bulb on the pin in the 5:00 position. This will create a draw on the circuit and you should see a 'C' on the display. If it does not, the wiring problem is on the vehicle. If it does, then the wiring problem is on the trailer itself. If the problem is on the vehicle, you'll want to review the install procedure of the 7-way on the vehicle. If it's on the vehicle, you'll want to trace the output circuit to the brakes from the trailer connector back to the brake assemblies, looking for loose connections. Make sure each brake assembly is securely grounded to the trailer frame. I'll link you to a troubleshooting article that you might find helpful.

Helpful Links

faq-brake-control-troubleshooting.aspx

Len C.

5/28/2024

@MikeL. Hi. Did did what you said and I have 12v constant power at the (5 o clock pin) brake pin. And when I hold my circuit tester to my (1 o clock pin) constant 12v power I get the "c" on my brake controller and upon pressing the brake pedal I get a digital read out of numbers. Is it possible that my 12v and brake pin wires are backwards? I even bought another plug and play plug and when I swapped it out I have the same results. Thanks

Mike L.

5/31/2024

@LenC It does sound like they were swapped. If you're checking the 7-way on the vehicle, you should have the constant 12V at the 1:00 pin and 12V from the brake controller at the 5:00 pin.