BRAKE CONTROL INSTALLATION TEKONSHA SENTINEL (9055)

Read This First:

Generic Wiring Diagram, Instructions and Vehicle Specific Wiring Instructions 

Electronic Brake Control (9055)

For 2, 4, 6 and 8 brake applications

READ THIS FIRST: Read and follow all instructions carefully before installing or operating the brake control. Keep these instructions with the brake control for future reference.

Components of the Brake Control

A. Power Knob

B. Manual Slide Knob

C. Bracket Mounting Holes

D. Bi-Colored Level Indicator Light

E. Level Knob

F. Red Power Display Lights

G. Green Diagnostic Light

Important Facts to Remember

1. Do not mount or activate RF generating items (cell phones, two way radios) near (less then 12") the brake control.

2. Reversing the connection to a breakaway battery on the trailer will destroy the brake control.

3. Disconnect trailer plug from the tow vehicle prior to testing a breakaway switch, or you may destroy the brake control.

4. The level adjustment is CRITICAL. The level adjustment determines whether automatic braking response is delayed or aggressive.

5.

6. For Technical Assistance and Warranty Information call: 1-800-786-7968

    For more information and Troubleshooting Check out Tekonsha's Website.

INSTALLATION GUIDE 

NOTE: The Brake Control must be mounted from 20 degrees to 90 degrees nose up. Failure to install brake control within these constraints may cause your control to become inoperable.

A. Mounting Bracket

B. #6 x 3/8" Screws

NOTE: Drilling or use of longer screws may damage unit.

1. Securely mount bracket to a solid surface.

2. Insert supplied #6 x 3/8 " screws on each side into the mounting holes.

3. Adjust control to desired position and tighten screws until snug.

Before Wiring the Brake Control

An optional blinking GREEN Diagnostic Light versus a consent GREEN light to monitor positive trailer connection is a set up option. This option was made available for people who may have difficulty distinguishing between red and green lights. To activate this option:

1. Engage manual slide knob and hold.

2. Connect power to the brake control.

The GREEN diagnostic light will now blink at a rate of once every eight (8) seconds when the trailer is connected. Troubleshooting diagnostics will also cause this light to blink at a much faster rate - refer to Troubleshooting Chart.

Leveling the Sensor

After the brake control has been securely mounted the level adjustment must be set.

NOTE:
1. This brake control is activated by inertia and requires the level to be set properly, or the braking response will be too harsh or ineffective.
2. To properly level the sensor, the tow vehicle must be parked on a level surface, it is not necessary to connect a trailer to level sensor.
3. Due to the fine tuning ability of the inertia level adjustment, the level knob can be turned up to ten complete rotations from stop to stop.

1. Set power knob to maximum by fully rotating upward until three bars show on knob.

2. Depress tow vehicle's brake pedal and hold.

3. Rotate the Level Knob counter-clockwise unfit the Bi-Colored Level Indicator Light starts to change colors from RED to GREEN.

4. Slowly rotate the Level Knob clockwise until RED color just shows, and then carefully turn the Level Knob back counter-clockwise until the solid GREEN color is just visible.

5. Once the brake control has been leveled such that the Bi-Colored Level Indicator Light shows GREEN, release the foot pedal.

NOTE: When the brake control is leveled property there will be very little current flowing through the brake magnets in a static state with the foot pedal depressed. The brake magnets will hum when there is current flowing through them. Anytime the Bi- Colored Light shows any color other than GREEN, there is current flowing through the brake magnets.

Adjusting the Power to the Trailer Brakes

Once the control has been installed and properly leveled, it is necessary to set the power needed to stop the trailer during a braking event.

1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle.

2. Set Power Knob to mid position (2 bars showing).

3. Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 mph and apply manual slide knob.

• If trailer brakes lock up:

            Turn power down using power knob. (Rotate power knob down.)

• If braking was not sufficient:

            Turn power up using power knob. (Rotate power up.)

4. Repeat Step 3 until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force as to achieve maximum braking power.

5. Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops to check the Power and Level adjustments. The automatic response (brake pedal) is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch. When the brake pedal is released, trailer braking will cease.

Fine Tuning

Now that the Power has been set, it is time to fine tune the level setting for the majority of the stopping that you will be doing.

1. Make several slow (25 MPH) stops as if coming up to a stop sign and take notice of how the trailer brakes respond:

• Brakes Grab Too Much

            You have an Aggressive Setting:

                To correct this condition rotate level knob counter clockwise.

• Trailer Tending to Push Tow Vehicle

            You have a Delayed Setting:

                To correct this condition rotate level knob to clockwise.

2. Repeat until desired trailer braking is achieved.

3. When the Manual Slide Knob or Brake Pedal is activated Bi-Colored Level Indicator Light shows:

• CLEAR - you have a delayed setting.

• GREEN - you have a typical setting.

• RED - you have an aggressive setting.

NOTE:
1. Always warm the trailer's brakes before setting the power. Warm trailer brakes tend to be more responsive than cold brakes. To warm trailer brakes, drive a short distance (1/4 mile) at 45 MPH with manual slide engaged approximately halfway.
2. The power should never be at a level high enough to cause trailer brakes to lock up. Skidding trailer wheels can cause loss of directional stability of trailer and tow vehicle.
3. The power may need to be adjusted for different load weights and road conditions.
4. Not all trailer brakes will lock up due to various conditions.
5. When the level and power are set correctly you should feet unified braking between the trailer and tow vehicle.
6. Braking performance may be slightly sluggish in sub-freezing temperatures. Allow adequate time for the brake control to warm prior to use in sub- freezing temperatures.
7. When in doubt of the proper setting procedures review the above steps starting at LEVELING THE SENSOR through FINE TUNING or consult your tow card included with your brake control.

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