Troubleshooting a DrawTite Activator IV part # 5504, Red Dot Only When Brakes are Applied
Published 05/12/2014 >
Question:
When I press the brake pedal, the level only reads a . And no other numbers. turning the dial either direction changes nothing. Whats wrong?
asked by: Mandy M
Expert Reply:
If you are seeing the red dot on your DrawTite Activator IV part # 5504 without a trailer connected while pressing the brakes that means you are not connected to the correct circuit on the red wire (stop light circuit). You will want to use a circuit tester like part # 3808 to test the wires near your brake pedal for a wire that sees voltage only when the brakes are applied.
If the red dot is present with a trailer connected then the problem is on the brake output circuit (blue wire). Common issues here are corrosion on the trailer connectors, bad grounds on the brake assemblies, or a short somewhere on the brake output circuit.
I attached an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake controller installs for you to check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Single Trailer Only
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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