Brake controller problem?

[cgn9tom]

My 2007 Sport Trac has had a Tekonsha Sentinel controller for several years (previously used on other Ford Trucks) and it has functioned great. I tried to pull my cargo trailer the other day and nothing works (lights or brakes). I used my other vehicle and everything works, so it is in the Sport Trac somewhere.

I tested the 4 wire hook up and everything works, but the 7 wire appears dead. Could this be caused by a dead brake controller or is it something else? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[thebrakeman]

If the brake controller works on your other vehicles, then the brake controller is fine.
I assume you have the combo 4/7 connector at the back. The wiring is the same to both connectors. So if you get signal in the 4-flat, but nothing in the 7-round, then the problem is isolated to the 7-pin female socket. Something has come loose.

 

[cgn9tom]

If the brake controller works on your other vehicles, then the brake controller is fine.
I assume you have the combo 4/7 connector at the back. The wiring is the same to both connectors. So if you get signal in the 4-flat, but nothing in the 7-round, then the problem is isolated to the 7-pin female socket. Something has come loose.

My other vehicle has its own brake controller. Is there a way to check the 7 pin connector, since it's hard wired? Thanks.

 

[cgn9tom]

OK, problem solved. There is a plug that connects the wiring harness to the back of the 7-wire receptacle at the bumper. This plug had become disconnected. This is something that will need to be checked every now and then to make sure that it hasn't come loose again. Thanks.