Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2002 Ford F-250 Heavy Duty Truck

Question

Question:

I have a Reese Brakeman Compact in my Ford F250 Super Duty truck. It stopped activating my brakes when I towed my trailer 2006 Jayco TT for the first time this spring. Neither the manual over-ride nor the brake pedal activate the brakes while Im driving. I checked the trailer brakes by pulling the break-away pin and it activated the trailer brakes so I dont think the trailer is the problem. When the trailer is not connected, the brake controllers red LED activates and becomes a strong bright light when I press the brake pedal or use the manual over-ride. When I plug my trailer into my truck, and I use either the manual over-ride or the brake pedal the LED light goes dim. All the lights brakes lamps, running lamps and turn signals work on both the trailer and my truck. I am a loss for why. Its not working. Please help.

asked by: Jerry G

0

Expert Reply:

The red indicator light you have on your brake controller should start out dim and when brakes are applied or if the manual control is used and increase in brightness as you increase the output.

It sounds like your controller is working properly when the trailer is not hooked up but is acting opposite of how it is supposed to work when you hook the trailer to your vehicle.

I would use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, and make sure all the wiring connections are receiving current as designed, starting with the truck wiring connector. Per the troubleshooting and testing procedures, the light should start out dim and increase in intensity as brakes are increased. If the wiring checks out and the ground is secured properly, and the problem still persists, you may need to replace the controller.

If you need to replace your controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular because it is easy to install and operate.

We also offer an easy-to-use adapter for your 2002 Ford F-250. It is part # 3035-P. You simply plug one end into the back of the brake controller and the other end plugs into the harness located under your dash. I have attached a link to a video that shows a brake controller installation on a Ford F-250 you can check out.

I have also attached some helpful articles about brake controllers and installation and troubleshooting you may want to take a look at.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 8

Hi Kaleb, great question. I know combining air bags with a B and W Turnoverball hitch can be tricky, but there is a good option that works with your setup. With the B and W Turnoverball Hitch part #BWGNRK1108 on your 2002 Ford F250 4x4 long bed. One…

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Answer 9

Hi Richard! The best brake controllers on the market for your 2023 Ford Explorer XLT are going to be from Redarc. They're super easy to use and set up, and they are very reliable. They are the ones to get. Since you said you will be towing a…

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Answer 10

Hi Larry, I can definitely understand your frustration, and based on your testing, that low voltage at the 7-way is not normal and does point to an issue on the truck side rather than the trailers. Also, thank you for your photo. The good news is you…

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Answer 11

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 12

Hey Jonathan, congrats on the new truck! The Universal Mounting Panel item #331-TPSI-001 is what you'll need to install the control knob of the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item #RED53CR in your 2026 Nissan Frontier SV. It measures 1-8/16" tall x…

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Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2002 Ford F-250 Heavy Duty Truck

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