Sounds like there is a problem within the controller. It is a synchroniser type controller (the type I would not fit these days.) They do not employ a deceleration sensor to apply the required braking force. When they are triggered either the brake light signal or the thumb control they simply ramp up to the maximum set braking effort. When you adjust the setting up to the maximum (10) the electrical output should quickly ramp up to the maximum just the same as when you use the thumb control. That is why I suggest you have a problem within the controller.
When you have the device replaced I can recommend that you swap over to a proportional controller. The following explains the difference. It came from a Tekonsha catalogue. They used to sell both types of controller but now only sell the proportional type.
Manual slider works ok. Foot brake only sometimes activating van brake.
Have tried dial settings up to maximum (10). Works only at very low speed.
Hand brake on van not working properly since hitch was tampered with a while back. Cable is slack and sags when brake is in off position.
Van is 12 months old and done 25000km.
If the van was tampered with, was that then the time that the brake controller seemed faulty?
It sounds like the controller is at fault but it may pay you the check the brakes on the van to see if they are all ok before you place the blame entirely on a controller.
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"Seek the truth or bury you head in the sand, both require some digging"
Does the van pull to one side when you brake? If so, one of your electrical connections to the brake could be sus. How is the earth return wire on the van? If connections are not good that can increase resistance and decrease braking performance. I had an electric brake controller years ago and it never really did much to help stopping the rig. I tried all sorts of mods and adjustments to the van brakes and no real improvement. Eventually I chucked it and got a new controller. Immediate improvement. The original controller was crook from new, but by then was about 10 years old so no claims on warranty etc.
All Hayman Reese controllers use the same plug at the back. You can simply swap their different models over. If yu go for a different manufacturer you will have to compare the connections via their their handbooks.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
All Hayman Reese controllers use the same plug at the back. You can simply swap their different models over. If yu go for a different manufacturer you will have to compare the connections via their their handbooks.
Thanks Peter
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Kevin Kyle
On the road full time with Son and 21 year old cat and 3 year old Manx.
Toyota Landcruiser 100 series V8. Nextgen semi off-roader. 3 120 AH agm batteries, 1KW Solar
