Why Would Dexter EOH Actuator # K71-651 Pulse Trailer Brakes w/ Integrated Ford Brake Controller

Published 09/12/2014

Question:

2015 Ford F450, 2012 Dexter Actuator Model# E/H 1600, P/N 071-651-00, Kodiak Disc Brakes,tandem axel set up on horse trailer. The actuator continuously pulses when connection / comm is made between truck and trailer - No faults advised on panel Brakes work, however pulse is obviously activating braking not good ===== Disabled Sway Control no change in pulse Called Kodiak - they said call Dexter.. Called Dexter, Spoke with Sam an Engineer. He said he has no idea. Great!.inch Oh call me back if you solve the issue... Called Ford Dealer - Clueless.... Help please,

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

First thing I would do is test the wiring of the Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator # K71-651. Connect the trailer to your tow vehicle so that the actuator pulsates like you said it was doing and then probe the blue wire with a circuit tester like part # 3808. If the tester shows pulsating voltage at the same time the actuator is pulsating then you know the problem is the brake controller.

I suspect that it's the brake controller since integrated brake controllers don't always work well with electric over hydraulic actuators. A lot of brake controllers will send a tiny bit of voltage on the brake output circuit to test the circuit to see if a brake controller is connected. That is one explanation for the issue you are seeing.

If the controller appears to the be problem I would recommend going with the Prodigy P2 Controller part # 90885 as this controller has an EOH mode that would work well for you.

If when you tested the wire of the actuator you couldn't find any pulsation then the problem would have to be the actuator.

expert reply by: Jameson C