[AT] Brake controllers

Tue May 6 06:06:08 PDT 2014

That's one thing I did try, no response what so ever.  The lights on the controller come on, but it appears no ones home.  I looked at the Tekonsha brake controllers on line last night.  I'll do some more checks on the system next weekend and see if I can find any obvious faults.  Otherwise, I suspect the controller has lost it's touch and will be replaced.

I bought it relatively cheap over 10 years ago, so there's a pretty good chance it's outlived it's life.

Enjoy, Joe

Sent via mobile device

On May 6, 2014, at 7:07 AM, Thomas Mehrkam <tmehrkam at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

You can get an idea if the pendulum or brake light wiring is the problem by manually applying the brakes using the Emergency lever on the controller.

If the brakes come on strong then the brake CKT is working and the problem lies in the brake light ckt or possibility in the controller it's self.

________________________________
From: Dean VP <deanvp at att.net>
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group' <at at lists.antique-tractor.com> 
Sent: Monday, May 5, 2014 10:57 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Brake controllers

Joe,

Charlie has made a very good point about the pendulum type controllers.  Just keep in mind that they
don't apply the trailer brakes just because you have depressed the tow vehicles brake pedal. They
start applying the brakes on the trailer when the tow vehicle starts slowing down dramatically.  So
be very careful about drawing incorrect conclusions when doing static testing.. 

Dean VP
Snohomish, WA 98290

" . . . The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and
tyrants. It is it's natural manure . . . " Jefferson

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of
Charlie V
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 8:06 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] Brake controllers

Hi Joe,

I too have a Tekonsha controller that I have used for twelve years in several trucks.  These pendulum
type controllers are also wired into the stop light circuit.  The stop lights must be activated in
order for the controller to send current to activate the trailer brakes.  That wire from the
controller usually ties in at the stop light switch, so any lost connection in that wire would give
you a no brakes problem.

Trying not to go overboard here I will say the reason for this break light tie in is to prevent the
controller from applying trailer brakes when you travel uphill and tip the little pendulum in the
controller.

On my '95 Chevrolet, the stop light switch was in an impossible location under dash and above the
steering column.  The easy way for me to wire that one was to go to the auto parts store and buy
another easily mountable sl switch. then install it in a easily assessable place so it activates from
the brake pedal arm.  Wired the Tekonsha to it and it works as it should.

Charlie V.

P.S.  A blown stop light fuse could put your brake controller out of business.

> On Mon, May 5, 2014 at 2:46 PM, David Rotigel <rotigel at me.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Joe, Somewhere in the system you have a fuse. Has that blown?
>          Dave
> 
>> On May 5, 2014, at 1:47 PM, Joe Hazewinkel <jahaze at aol.com> wrote:
>> 
>> OK,
>> 
>> I know we have discussed this at points in the past, I just don't
> remember all the details, so I'm bringing it up again.  I think my 
> brake controller has gone bad.  It just won't engage the trailer brakes at all.
>   I thought it might be on the trailer side, but my neighbor borrowed 
> my trailer, and the brakes worked fine for him.
>> 
>> My trailer is a 20-ft gooseneck trailer, with dual tandem Dexter 
>> axles
> under it.  Both axles have brakes.  I pull it with an 1997 F-250 diesel.
>> 
>> Any recommendations on a decent brake controller?  The one I have 
>> now is
> a Valley brand, and it worked good for the past ten years or so.  I 
> looked at the local auto supply place and they had three different 
> models covering a wide range of prices.  I just want something that 
> works.  Can you share your wisdom with me please?
>> 
>> Enjoy, Joe
>> 
>> Sent via mobile device
>> _______________________________________________
>> AT mailing list
>> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at

> 
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at

_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at