Brake controller

Can anyone tell me if after installing a brake controller (RedArc) and the override button is pushed displaying a blue led, I still have no voltage at the pin (blue wire) in my truck connector for the brake controller when I push the brakes. Is this normal with no trailer hooked up?

 

I have a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and the knob does not show any light when there's no trailer hooked up. If I pressed on the knob, it lights up blue for a few seconds or so

When there's a trailer hooked up, the knob shows blue

 

Yes, this is normal.

Redarc senses when a trailer is attached so it won't send current unless something is there. If nothing is attached the controller thinks there is an open short. Per their site, a voltage meter or 55W test light cannot be used to test the function, only a 5-26W test light.

Do you have the Liberty or Elite?
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/resources/brake-controllers-faqs/testing-tow-pro-liberty/
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/resources/brake-controllers-faqs/testing-tow-pro/

 

Quick and dirty way to tell if the knob works, at least with the push to start system. Push and hold the knob in, and press the start button. Should start the truck.

 

Thank you so much! I have the liberty. There is also a battery on the trailer for the electric brakes that appears to be dead. That could be the source of my problem when I plug in the for some reason The controller does not recognize that a trailer has been plugged in

 

If you have a blue light when the button is pressed then the trailer brakes are not detected. I can't say if the battery would cause issues but if the key is in the switch it should not matter if the battery is dead. With the key in the trailer switch the battery should be bypassed. I would start simple and work toward the harder stuff, Clean the contacts on the truck and trailer plugs, If you have a meter check from the trailer plug to the junction box, and check any wire splices on the trailer side. Check that the trailer plug is wired to match the pinout on your truck

• Have you confirmed that this trailer does work properly on another vehicle or did work properly on your last vehicle?
• Did you install this yourself?
• Is the controller securely attached to a solid surface and not zip-tied to wires or something that can move?
• Did you use the redarc to factory plug and play harness or splice it?

 

Thanks so much for your thoughts they prompted me to ask my neighbor to bring his new GMC pickup that he pulls a large 5th wheel with down and hookup to my trailer. He said his truck didn't show activity from his brake controller either. I then hooked my truck to his 7 pin on his 5th wheel and the Redarc performed as it should. So on to the trailer..I replaced the 7 pin connector still no luck so it is on to the wiring and electromagnets! I also am replacing the battery on the trailer but that I believe is just for the breakaway function and the controller should work without it. My neighbor said his battery was removed from his 5th wheel when I tested it as well