Troubleshooting a Brake Controller Giving an E1 Error?

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 09/05/2025

Question:

Keep getting E1 error on brake controller. Everything works but E brakes. Fairly new controller, but I know they can fail. Jayco Jayflight 29rlds travel trailer. I get reasonable readings on my meter at the truck connection and just replaced both connectors on the truck and trailer. Same error. Im hoping it isnt the brakes, theyre self adjusting, but Ive never looked at them... If just shoes doesnt look too bad. If everything but the axle all around, thats 4 sets of brakes, backing plates, dust covers, drums, bearings, etc. That looks like you might as well scrap the trailer... Is there anything thats typical for that issue? Ive run a lot of tests on various things but Im not sure when I apply 12 volts to the wires on the e brakes how much I would hear the magnets. I barely hear or feel anything.

asked by: Mark A

Expert Reply:

What brake controller do you have Mark? An E1 error code on a Hopkins electric brake controller means a trailer is not connected. Since your connectors are new and you're getting voltage off of them, I would say it's the brake controller in this instance.

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

I'm 3.

9/12/2025

We're running the wires again tomorrow and Sunday afternoon. My sub is an electric engineering tech and he thinks he's can fix it, but most around here have given up on the brake controller being the culprit. Now people are thinking grounding or some physical wiring issues. My socket tester on the truck shows a light on the brake signal all the time, not when pressing the brake. Paying the brake has no effect. I even jacked it up and spun the wheel, then pressed the brakes. Nothing. If we don't find it Monday it's going to the shop... I don't have time to fix it myself, I've spent too much time already. I tried to pull the brake drum off the wheel, but can't get it off. Making me crazy

Jerred H.

9/12/2025

@I You shouldn't be getting a signal all the time when you're not pressing the brake. You've either got the wrong wire tapped on the brake light switch or it's your brake controller. Here's some really simple troubleshooting steps before you rewire your entire truck. Find the cold side of the brake switch that only has a 12v signal going through it when you press the brake pedal or the manual override. If that's not connected to your mystery brake controller harness that's the problem. Use a Circuit Tester like item # PTW2993. Try connecting your truck to another trailer to rule out the trailer. Do you, your electrical engineering tech, or anyone else know what brake controller it is?

Mark

9/12/2025

@JerredH The one that is on it right now is TEKONSHA Pro Series 80500 POD Trailer Time-Delay Electric Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-2 Axles. I can't recall what the previous one was.

Mark

9/12/2025

@Mark Thanks, I have many similar testers like that. We'll be using them this weekend wringing out wires!