hi, how do i know if a brake controller is actually working? i had bought one at a local parts store w/ adapter harness. i hooked up the trailer, it had a 4 pin with 2 wires for the electric brakes so i had to tap wires on the 7 pin plug to hook up the electric brakes. i proceeded to test the system putting the truck in drive slowly moving then using the manual slide to activate the brakes. and nothing seemed to happened. didn't feel like it activated the brakes. i checked for 12v at the plug and behind the controller. nothing there either. when i disconnect the wires, the controller signals that it's disconnected. so everything seems to be inorder. unfortunately i don't have the trailer to continue testing, so is there other ways i can test the system? i guess i'm thinking i should be getting 12v from the wire to the electric brakes. but this is all new to me, so i just want to be sure everything works correctly, i don't want to have false sense of security if the brakes are not working. thanks

 

Using a multimeter, or a test light, check the leads for the brakes at the back of the truck, while someone inside is applying the brakes, or is progressively sliding the manual actuator on the controller. You should see the current increase as the slider is advanced, or it should increase with time as the pedal is increased. This is assuming you have a time based brake controller, not a more advanced inertia based system (like the Prodigy). If you have an inertia based system, you might not notice much of a difference at slow speeds unless it is calibrated that way. ( it senses how much the truck is slowing, not just increasing braking power the longer you hold the pedal)

 

You can take to about any place that installs trailer hitches or sells trailers, and they should check it for you for free. There is a product called a Hoppy Tow Doctor that can check vehicle tow connections but it is a bit expensive for personal use. Most trailer sales/repair centers have their own they have made or the manufactured tester to be able to test you tow vehicle.

The above post is correct...even with an inertia system you will still get the same results as the person in the drivers seat slides the manual over-ride on the electric brakes it should show an increasing 12v current.....but only if the electric brake controllers are turned up....if they are set low, you only might get 1-2 volts.

 

You can use a tool like this http://cvfsupplyco-store.stores.yahoo.net/elcirtes.html while sitting in the cab to see if the controller is working. Clip the alligator clip on a good ground (metal) and touch the pointed probe on a hot wire to make sure the tester works, should light up bright. Now push the probe into the wire at the back of the controller that goes to the brakes and actvate the slide. The light should go from dim to bright as you apply more brake with the slide. If it works then move back to the plug in the rear and test again. If it works you will need to plug in the trailer and go to the wire where it enters the back of the brake drum and test again. If it lights up you should also hear a clicking sound from the electric brakes. No clicking means you need to remove the wheel and drum to see whats wrong. Good hunting.

 

Good advise on checking if trailer brakes are working......But...most brakes will not click.....I check about 20+ different trailers a day at my job. They will Humm...a high pitch humm from the electromagnet in the brakes. They will sometimes click when you turn them off though....and it is a single click as the elctro-magnet disengages the drum....not a clicking sound.

 

thanks for the advice. i spoke with a tech guy and he confirmed my suspicions. since i wasn't getting 12v from the electric brake wire (blue), the controller is probably defective. so i'll exchange it for another one. but this should be a reminder for all who install these things, that the system should be tested for proper operation before using. and not to assume that it works right out of the box.