How Do I check to see if Trailer brake ontroller is working?

[JOE G]

Hi, I have a Tekonsha unsure what model but I can check later today, It is just a basic slide controller, I hooked up a trailer that has Electric brakes but the controller didn't do anything no lights lit up on the controller even if I slide it manually. The trailer I used may not have working brakes so It was not the best one to try ( Trailer is going though a overhaul ).

How can I check the controller with out a working trailer hooked up?

Should it light up if I slide the slider over with nothing hooked up?

Any and all tips would be great .

Thanks

2004 Ram 1500 with Factory Tow Package.

 

[oldballs]

My Tekonsha lights up every time I start the engine whether a trailer is hooked up or not. It gives a message "NC"...i.e."Not Connected" when no trailer is not hooked up.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[hosspuller]

Doesn't sound like your controller is working if no indicator lights. Without a trailer, a 12 volt light bulb (NOT LED) wired to the output leads is a good test.

 

[JOE G]

Mine only has one Red light I believe, Ho do I know which pins to check in the back for power? Can I use a volt meter?

 

[newbury]

Hi, I have a Tekonsha unsure what model but I can check later today, <snip>.

Look online, they have the instructions.

 

[Mat4644]

Larger RV or trailer dealers typically have a plug in professional tester that will analyize. Usually a flat fee. Checked my truck for $20.

 

[BrkMstr]

If the trailer has no brakes / no return - the controller would not activate - if the led / light was faulty in the unit obviously you would not see it - to test it move the trailer slowly forward and squeeze the controller lever - the trailer should lock up - if you need more, trailer line testers are not a lot of money most auto parts carry them.......

 

[JOE G]

I checked the trailer manually and nothing happened.

 

[MossRoad]

Look online, they have the instructions.

Like he said...

Look online, they have instructions...

Find the manual for it and it'll show the proper wiring for the controller. That's where you need to start.

It'll tell you the pin-out of the controller and it should tell you which wire will send X voltage to the brakes on the trailer.

 

[MossRoad]

I checked the trailer manually and nothing happened.

Your trailer brakes could be bad, but you still won't know if your controller is working properly with or without the trailer until you make sure it's wired correctly to start with. Find the model # of your controller and look for a wiring diagram.

If there are no lights on the controller, suspect that it isn't wired correctly.