I got the brake controller wired in using the factory wires where the plug had been cut off with the exception of the positive battery. That one was too short to mess with so I ran a new line with a 20amp inline fuse.

Using a circuit tester clipped to the plug ground the positive power lights up, the electric brake lights up when pedal is depressed, and the running lights light up with the headlights on.

The LH and RH turn signal blades do NOT cause the circuit tester to light up, though. Does this mean the turn signal/stop light circuits aren't working or is that normal?

I pick the trailer up tomorrow and would really like to get this done.

Thanks for all the help on this!

 

You need to have the key in the on position for the turn/brake spades to work. You should see the test light flash on the brake spades for sure.

 

I tried with the key on and the truck running before I posted. Is there a fuse that would control just that part of the wiring harness? I'm surprised the others are apparently wired up normally but those wouldn't be working.

 

What year truck? Some of them have separate fuses under the hood for turn signals.

 

I wouldn't think you need the key on to test LT & RT... They should both be "hot" any time using your emergency flasher. I use this as a quick check on my trailers before heading out.

 

There is a separate set of fuses for your trailer plug.. see you manual.. it will list the proper fuses .. If you don't have manual, you can download one to your computer here: http://www.flmowner.com/servlet/Cont...ionalEventPage (click on glovebox)

 

"the brake controller wired in using the factory wires where the plug had been cut off...." Are you refering to the female plug under dash left of center, or the controllers harness, i.e. Pigtail"? Also are you testing the plug at the hitch, if so, did you have turn signals before installing the Brake Controller. Trying to get a better picture to see if I can help. I know that the wire colors on the controllers Pigtail normally wont match those of the under dash wires. Which controoler do you have? I have a Prodigy and the color wiring cross referance diagram that goes with that. If you have the same maybee that can be of some help tracking down the issue.

 

The factory plug was cut off by the previous owner for reasons unknown, so I hardwired it in using the wires that SHOULD have been attached to the missing plug. White was ground, red was brake switch, blue was the one that ran to the plug in back. The factory positive wire was too short, so I did not use it. No pigtail.

I have no idea if the turn signals worked before, this is the first time I've tried to use the RV plug. The truck's turn signals are working fine. Does the brake controller have anything to do with the turn signals? I didn't hook any wire for turn signals into the brake controller. Its a 1999.5 F-250 and the brake controller is a Hopkins from Tractor Supply.

If I clip the circuit tester to the ground blade in the RV plug, it lights up for electric brake (blue wire) when the brake is pressed. Positive lights up whenever the key is on. Running lights come on whenever the headlight switch is on. Nothing lights up on the LH turn/stop and the RH/stop blades. I haven't checked the reverse lights since I'm using a wedge to put down the brake pedal and don't want to run over myself.

I don't have an actual trailer to hook up and see until tomorrow, but shouldn't the circuit tester show them as hot with the truck on and the proper turn signal on? Just odd that BOTH turn signals aren't showing hot.

 

Trailer brake control has nothing to do with turn signals. Check the fuses under the hood.

 

That was it.

Wow, I feel retarded. It NEVER occurred to me that each turn signal would have its own fuse, I figured the whole bundle shared a fuse.

Thanks for everyone's help on the 3 posts it took me to get this mess figured out and a big finger to the PO for cutting the factory harness.

 

Hey.. glad to help.. I love it when a PLAN comes together.. Have good trip..

 

Glad you found it, and it was a simple and cheap fix.