Troubleshooting Installation of Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller 5504

Updated 09/23/2014 | Published 09/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1793)

$18.95

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have a 0.0 indicator when brake pedal is pressed but a good indicator when pressed manually.... f350 2000. Seems to be wired with harness but no response off pedal

asked by: Mat

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have done a hard-wired brake controller # 5504 installation on your truck. As an alternative you can use a quick-connect harness # 3035-P, which plugs in between the controller and the under-dash port on your F-350.

For the hard-wired installation you will need to tap into the cold side of the brake light switch. This is the wire that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. This wire connects to the red wire on the Activator to trigger its output. You can use a tester like # PTW2993 to find the wire that only carries voltage when the pedal is pressed.

The two linked articles on brake controller installation may be helpful to you.

expert reply by: Adam R