Posted 2010-06-16 8:37 PM (#121246) Subject: elec. brake problem
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Apex, NC
So I was wondering if I can get some help here, i have a 6 pin, brake controller and 4 wheel Shoop trailer. When I test the brake controller with a voltmeter, pin on the truck says 4.6v while my girl hits the brakes. When i plug in the trailer and test the line on the trailer I get .02volts when she applies the brakes and I get no trailer brakes. So just to see if the trailer brakes would work, i hooked up the power line of the trailer to the brake light and they would lock up when the brakes applied..my desired result, because i know the brakes on the trailer work. oh one other thing that might help, the led on the controller shows faint yellow when applied with the trailer pluged in and flashes red when the trailer is not plugged in...man.. just confused! Thanks!!!
Posted 2010-06-16 11:27 PM (#121251 - in reply to #121246) Subject: RE: elec. brake problem
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
Your trailer brakes are okay... but your truck/brake controller is not. The difference you measure from the brake controller is only the effect of the circuit load. It is not putting out any significant power.
Posted 2010-06-17 6:54 AM (#121253 - in reply to #121251) Subject: RE: elec. brake problem
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Williamsburg VA
I had a Ford F150 that the relay was not installed when the vehicle was sold but was in the glove box along with the pigtail for the controller. The relay had to be installed before the tow package was complete.
Posted 2010-06-18 7:46 AM (#121294 - in reply to #121253) Subject: RE: elec. brake problem
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Apex, NC
Gotcha, so when the trailer is not plugged in and the controller is sending out variable volts (3-5v depending on how I set the (soft/Hard dials)and appears to be functioning...once the load of the brakes in introduced, the controller fails. That makes sense. The controller came with the truck (92' 3500) and looks to be as old! I'll look into replacing. Thanks!
Posted 2010-06-18 9:33 AM (#121299 - in reply to #121246) Subject: RE: elec. brake problem
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
Before you replace try setting the level on it and power level. Most will have two knows or slide controls, one will be amount of power it puts out and the other is the level. Figure out which is which, set the pwer to full, then set the level by holding the brakes on and slide or turn until you get the most red on the indicator. Then adjust your power level.
BTW - that is only if you haven't tried it already...
elec. brake problem
