trailer brake control problem

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Oct 15, 2014 | 03:05 PM

frankiethethumper

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 103

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trailer brake control problem

Hello, I just installed a DrawTite Activator III model # 5520 trailer brake control on my 1999 F350 SRW crew cab 6.8L 2wd by plugging into the prewired trailer plug under the dash. It has a small circular light on the display that illuminates when I am not towing and I step on the brake pedal. The light is apparently supposed to remain constantly illuminated until I take my foot off the brake, but mine is blinking rapidly and not in a consistent pattern. I haven't towed anything yet with it so I am not sure if a trailer is going to function properly or not. Local trailer shop isn't sure why the light blinks inconsistently (it did the same thing when we plugged in a different #5520 brake control). Has anyone had such a problem, or any advice on where to start tracing this down? Thanks for the help.

Oct 15, 2014 | 03:40 PM

BPofMD

FTE Remembers

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 65,938

Likes: 1,432

From: Millersville, MD

I would call or email DrawTite and ask them...the manufacturer usually knows more than anyone about their product. With the blinking light there is certainly something wrong.

Oct 16, 2014 | 07:42 PM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 57,025

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From: Virginia

Here are the instructions.

Trailer Hitch Instructions For DrawTite, Reese, Hidden Hitch & More - etrailer.com

If it's blinking randomly, I suspect a grounding problem. Most controllers I have installed instruct you to run a separate ground from the controller ground to the battery negative post.