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iPA 9107B - User Manual

iPA 9107B
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OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Innovative Products of America
®
Incorporated
888-786-7899 • 234 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498 • www.ipatools.com
For 7-Spade Equipped Vehicles with
Integrated and Aftermarket Brake Controllers
#9107B
ELECTRIC BRAKE FORCE METER WITH
DYNAMIC LOAD SIMULATION AND CIRCUIT TESTING
MADE IN USA
OF GLOBAL
COMPONENTS
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Summary

Whats Included

Included Parts and Accessories

Lists the components and accessories provided with the Electric Brake Force Meter kit, including soft case and cables.

Compatibility and Introduction

Compatibility

Details the vehicle compatibility of the Electric Brake Force Meter, focusing on 7-spade trailer connections.

Introduction

Describes the Electric Brake Force Meter as a professional tool for testing brake controller output and tow-lighting functions.

Precautionary Explanation

Explains OEM variations in trailer brake controller design and function, emphasizing that methods evolve.

Pretest Set-Up

Provides essential pre-test setup instructions and critical warnings for using the brake force meter.

Operation and Testing Procedures

Set-Up

Step-by-step guide for connecting and preparing the Electric Brake Force Meter for testing.

Alternative Set-up Procedure

Alternative method for certain vehicle models (2016-2017) when the standard setup does not establish trailer connection.

Testing

Instructions for performing brake force testing, including manual lever and brake pedal application.

Vehicle Specific Notices and Diagnostics

Notice Regarding 2019 and Newer Vehicles

Guidance for testing newer vehicles with modules that monitor and control trailer circuits, including initial checks.

Indicator Lights and Troubleshooting

ECU Detection Light

Explains the function of the ECU Detected light in identifying vehicle brake controller presence and trailer connection.

Status Lights

Details the meaning of the ECU Detected, Power, and Gain indicator lights and their states.

Circuit Fault Troubleshooting

Provides a table outlining common circuit faults and diagnostic procedures for electric brake systems.

Limited One-Year Warranty

Overview

The #9107B Electric Brake Force Meter with Dynamic Load Simulation and Circuit Testing is a professional, high-quality tool designed to test electric brake controller output and all tow-lighting functions without the need for a trailer. This comprehensive device is compatible with most year, make, and model vehicles equipped with 7-spade trailer connections, including newer Ford and GM vehicles. Its primary function is to allow users to view the output of their vehicle's electric brake controller in real-time, providing crucial diagnostic information for both integrated and aftermarket brake controllers.

Function Description

The core function of the #9107B is to simulate a trailer's electrical load, enabling the vehicle's brake controller to operate as if a trailer were connected. This simulation is dynamic, meaning it can mimic varying load conditions that a real trailer would present. The device features a series of 10 LEDs that illuminate sequentially, indicating the extent of 12V power available at the connector to actuate trailer brakes. This visual feedback allows technicians to assess the brake force output from the vehicle's controller.

Beyond brake force measurement, the #9107B also performs comprehensive circuit testing for all tow-lighting functions. It includes dedicated indicators for:

  • 12V Aux: Verifies constant 12V power supply.
  • Tail/Tag: Checks the functionality of tail and tag lights.
  • Reverse Lights: Confirms the operation of reverse lights.
  • Left Turn: Tests the left turn signal circuit.
  • Brake Lights: Assesses the brake light circuit.
  • Right Turn: Checks the right turn signal circuit.
  • Ground Integrity: Ensures a proper ground connection, which is crucial for all circuits.

A key feature is the ECU Detection Light (Yellow), which indicates when the meter detects a discovery pulse signal from the vehicle. Modern vehicles with integrated controllers often limit output to the trailer electric brake circuit until a trailer is detected. The #9107B looks for this pulse and, once detected, illuminates the ECU Detected light and adjusts its built-in trailer simulation load accordingly. This ensures accurate testing even with sophisticated vehicle systems. The Power Light (Red) indicates whether the electric brake circuit has power and continuity.

Usage Features

The #9107B is designed for ease of use, with a clear and intuitive interface. The setup procedure is straightforward:

  1. Disconnect the meter from the cable.
  2. Plug the 7-way connector into the back of the vehicle.
  3. Bring the other end of the cable and the tester into the driver's compartment, keeping the tester disconnected.
  4. Set the emergency brake.
  5. Turn the vehicle engine ON and let it idle.
  6. Crucially, keep your foot off the brake. Only after the engine is running, plug the 9-pin connector into the tester's socket and lightly tighten the thumb screws.
  7. Verify the 12V circuit is powered or turn on the Tail/Tag circuit.
  8. Wait for the yellow ECU detection light to stop blinking.
  9. For vehicles with integrated controllers, look for "Trailer Connected" on the instrument panel and the ECU Detection light to remain steady.

An alternative setup procedure is provided for 2016 and newer models where brake controllers might search for a trailer signal differently. In such cases, pressing and holding the brake pedal during step 7 of the setup can help establish a "Trailer Connected" message.

During testing, users can:

  • Increase the brake force adjustment on the instrument panel to maximum output (usually 10).
  • Operate the manual brake lever on the controller without applying the brake pedal, observing the illuminated LEDs. It's recommended to maintain application for up to 20 seconds to note any changes.
  • Release the manual brake lever and apply moderate pressure to the brake pedal, observing the sequential illumination of the 10 LEDs to gauge 12V power availability for trailer brakes.
  • Test other lighting and electrical functions like turn signals, tail/tag, and brake lights.

The device includes important warnings:

  • DO NOT hold your foot on the brake for intervals longer than 15 seconds to avoid overheating.
  • DO NOT pinch the cable in the window or door when testing in the cab.

The Ground Integrity light will only illuminate when a circuit is completed, and it may flash in sequence with directional circuits, which is normal.

For 2019 and newer vehicles, which often feature modules monitoring and controlling trailer circuits, the tool will energize and default into Trailer Simulation mode once 12V power is on. Users should allow the vehicle's computer to complete its start-up/system status check sequence (indicated by flickering LEDs on the tool) before testing.

Maintenance Features

While the manual does not detail specific user-level maintenance, it emphasizes the importance of proper setup and handling to ensure the device's longevity and accurate operation. The robust design is intended for professional use, suggesting durability under typical workshop conditions.

The device comes with a Limited One-Year Warranty, covering defects in workmanship or material. This warranty highlights the manufacturer's commitment to quality and provides recourse for users in case of product issues. The warranty specifically excludes wearable parts like batteries (30-day warranty) and battery clips, indicating that these components may require periodic replacement depending on usage.

In case of suspected incompatibility or issues, the manual directs users to contact Innovative Products of America® for support, including potential updates for newer vehicle models. This indicates ongoing support and potential for software or hardware revisions to maintain compatibility with evolving vehicle technologies.

The #9107B is supplied with a soft case (#9107-3) for protection and a 25 ft. 7-Flat Pin Cable (#KCBL-9107-AS), facilitating convenient storage and use. The inclusion of these accessories underscores the device's design for practical, on-the-go diagnostic work.

iPA 9107B Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeDigital Multimeter
DC Voltage Ranges200mV, 2V, 20V, 200V, 1000V
AC Voltage Ranges200V, 750V
Diode TestYes
Continuity TestYes
Power Source9V battery
Operating Temperature0°C to 40°C
DC Current Ranges200µA, 2mA, 20mA, 200mA, 10A
Resistance Ranges200Ω, 2kΩ, 20kΩ, 200kΩ, 2MΩ
Power Supply9V battery

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