Older Tekonsha brake controller

[97-78 Diesel Crew]

Just purchased a 98 Dodge 2500 with an older Tekonsha controller installed. Manufacture date tag on controller "06-98". Cannot find any model name or number on it only various patent numbers. On the left side it has a wheel labeled "level". 0n the other side the wheel is labeled "gain". It looks similar to the current voyager model.



When pulling horse trailer (8500 lbs) and changing either or both of these wheel settings there is no PERCEPTABLE CHANGE in the trailer's braking. The indicator light on top of the controller is green when connected and turns red when the lever on the bottom side is moved to its full stop.



Is this normal or is the controller malfunctioning (light stays green when applying brakes)???

 

[LHallmark]

Sounds like a malfunction. When truck hooked to trailer, light should be green to indicate connection... ..... when brakes applied, either with foot pedal or manual hand lever the light should change to red... ... ... actually pale orange to bright red depending on the degree of brake application.

Sounds like maybe your brake signal from the truck is not getting to the controller.

 

[B.G. Smith]

http://tekonsha.com/instructions/Voyager Tow Card 1196_G3.pdf Go to this web site for adjusting/identification etc. of your unit. Sounds like your trailer brakes might need adjusting, they need to be adjusted about every 10,000 miles or less to work. bg

 

[97-78 Diesel Crew]

Thanks for the info. However, the I can increase the sensitivity of the brakes when I tow with my 03 using a drawtite controller but cannot achieve the same results with the Tekonsha on the 98. The brakes work ok but I like to increase the sensitivity depending on the trailer load.



Thanks again.

 

[MMiller]

I have this same controler. I have instructions in the truck. I can get them and scan then if you like. I have never been impressed with this controller. It seems like it is either little braking or far too much. The slower the truck is going it seems like the harder the trailer brakes come on. I guess I am too used to tractor trailer air brakes that are designed to work together.



You need to hook up,load up, and park on level ground and then level the controller with the level dial. Then after thats done then you should be able to adjust the power to the brakes with the gain. Like said above the light is green when trailer is hooked. It will change to orange when brakes are applied. The harder the gain is set the more red the light is. This may not adjust well with the brakes on. Let off the brakes and adjust then apply the brakes to see the light change color.



Like I said I have not really been impressed with the controller. I have been really interested in the Jordan controller that hooks to your brake pedal for real proportioning and is not controlled by the brake lights.



Let me know if you want the instructions.



Michael

 

[97-78 Diesel Crew]

Thanks to all for your input. Now have instructions and will trouble shoot the problem or may just get a new controller!!!!

 

[BV]

Hey Gary,



Sounds like you got the Tekonsha Voyager. They work pretty good unless your on really rough terrain which messes with the braking action a little.



Like the others said - Level it first then play with the power dial.



Later - Marty