Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller that Only Works with Manual Override Lever

Updated 05/02/2014 | Published 05/01/2014

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a factory tow package and a Tekonsha Voyager with a plug-in wiring harness. I have used this combination for a few years. Overnight, my controller does not send a signal to apply my trailer brakes when pressing the brake pedal. The manual slide bar override works just fine. The VEH CHMSL 10 amp and 15 amp VEH STOP fuses drivers side dash fuse box are good and all three brake lights work. The STUD #2 30 amp fuse engine compartment that controls the trailer brake wiring is good and the TLR PARK 15 amp fuse is good. Is my controller bad? How else do I determine whether the controller is the issue?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

To determine if the controller is bad (it sounds like it might be) you need to test the wires going into the back of the controller. First and foremost, we need to test the red wire. This circuit should see voltage when the brakes are applied and none with the brakes off. You would want to use a circuit tester like our part # 3808 for this.

If you are seeing voltage on this circuit when the brakes are applied and then when you test the blue wire of the controller there is no voltage there then you know the problem is the brake controller. If there wasn't voltage on the red wire with the brakes applied then you know the problem is on your truck wiring.

I attached an FAQ on brake controller troubleshooting for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C