ScottG wrote:
A brake controller knows when the trailer is connected by sending out a tiny signal to the brakes all the time - even when your not applying them. There's probably something on your controller that lights up or changes color to indicate this - the load or resistance of the winding in the brakes is what tells the controller it's show time. The signal is not enough to move the brakes but with some controllers (Prodigy) its enough to check the electrical characteristics of the windings and tell the operator if they're out of normal guidelines.
This is also witnessed by the dimly lit LED at the 8:00 position in the first pic.
The issue with surging and then settling down is probably because there is no load (brake windings) present. Your doing this without the trailer connected right? Then anything you measure is really meaningless.
I would not replace the controller unless it fails to work when the trailer is connected.
OTOH, a controller can get weak with use so if it can't stop the trailer on its own, I would then replace it.
Hrmm cool, very good information.
When I do have my trailer connected to the tv, I get the pulse in the brakes each time I stop. It feels like a clunk/chunk/shudder through the entire van each time you hit the brakes.
I have tried everything I can to get rid of it. Well, Short of taking it back to the dealer. They are 30 miles away and it's a daily driver so I never have time to take it there.
I am good enough with wiring to replace it myself. I just never seem to have time and worry about breaking it worse. Plus the places that sell brake controllers are never open when I want to work on it.
I guess the most frustrating part is I am Web Application developer for my job and my calling card is I can fix anything. I am known as the fixit guy around here because I always figure it out.
This I just can't crack yet and that drives me to try harder to fix it without spending any money or taking it to the dealer.
