Was following this thread for an issue I'm having with my controller. I have an '09 F450 4X4 and I pull an 18' enclosed trailer (drum brakes). I seen to have the ability to get the brakes to work when I manually pull on the lever, but when using the truck service brakes....I get nothing at the trailer, albeit the brake lights activate fine.
Would anyone know if the only 'fix' is to replace my OEM integrated brake controller? I did have the trailer checked at a local hitch install place that does this continuously, so I'm pretty sure all is fine at the trailer. I believe (guessing) that perhaps the problem is with the 'red' wire, as I couldn't seem to get any power showing...out of the controller, when trying to apply the controller manually. The 'blue' wire did show power both at the controller and at the truck plug. When plugging in one of those testers you can buy with the LED lights (plug it into the truck plug) the main light which is suppose to come up...doesn't. The rest of the lights, showing left/right signal, brake light etc. seem to work, but the main LED that is suppose to be illuminated...doesn't. Any advice/comments will be appreciated.

 

I made this into your own thread since the other one was so old.

For these controllers there are a couple of things to consider before you know a known bad controller.

First thing is to understand that the controller works very well at integrating the trailer brakes with the truck brakes. It actually becomes part of the abs system.

the usual jerking of the trailer upon brake applications is gone. So your controller may in fact be working.

Secondly, most issues start at the plug at the rear of the truck. You can take it apart, make sure all the wiring is connected and clean.

That is where I would start.

 

Since Scott has hit the initial high points I will expand on part of his response.

How have you determined the controller is not working when using the brake pedal?You can not simply put a tester on the seven pin with the truck static. TBC works in response to brake pedal pressure and rate at which truck is deaccelerating. Make sense?

When towing are you getting any error messages on your TBC?

Steve

 

I would agree the trailer plug might be a problem . Use electrical cleaner and dielectric grease on the connections. Had this problem and this has worked in the past.

 

If the trailer brakes can be activated manually, but actually are not working with the pedal, it is not the seven pin receptacle as both systems use the same circuit. The only difference is what source feeds the power, manual or pedal.

Steve