Troubleshooting a Reese Pilot Brake Controller that Says It's Connected all the Time

Updated 10/27/2014 | Published 10/26/2014

Question:

My display shows .C. It works fine and there is no display when trailer is unplugged.ive already brushed and cleaned all connectors. Any ideas as to why .C. Code stays on ?

asked by: Russell

Expert Reply:

The .C code you are seeing on the display of your Pilot 2-6 Brake Electronic Brake Controller # 80550 that you referenced indicates that the brake controller senses that it is connected to a trailer.

Since yours is still functioning but always has that displayed it would indicate that the brake output circuit somewhere on the vehicle has a short somewhere that is putting a slight load on the circuit which is telling the controller it is connected to a trailer. I know you said you cleaned the connectors already but you might also check the backside of the connector where the wires run to the connector to see if there is corrosion there that needs to be cleaned off.

What you can also do to tell if the problem is the brake controller or the wiring is sever the brake output circuit that is leaving the controller while leaving enough room to reconnect it. If the controller still reads .C then you know the problem is internal of the controller. If that stops displaying then you know the problem is somewhere between the controller and the 7-way.

I also attached an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake controller installs for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C