Troubleshooting Sticking Electric Trailer Brakes

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Time Delayed

(1286)

$52.82

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(55)

$11.85

Question:

I purchased this controller Jan 30 and finally was able to use it this past week. There is an issue with the brake releasing after a stop. No matter what setting I use, the brake will not release on the camper until I apply gas to my truck. Then there is a loud clunk when the brakes do finally release. I find that if I wait a few seconds after stopping and then apply gas to the truck the operation is much improved. Any advice you can give me is much appreciated.

asked by: Charles M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your trailer brakes are sticking, but I doubt the problem is the brake controller. However, you can test this by applying the brakes like you normally do while coming to a stop. Once the trailer and vehicle stop get out and unplug your trailer connector. If the brakes release right then that would indicate that the controller is the problem. If not, get back in the truck and see if they release once you take off like they had been doing. If so, then the problem is not the controller.

You will want to check the brake components as it sounds like something is broken. You will want to remove the trailer hubs to access the brake assemblies. Make sure that the actuating arm of the assembly (the metal arm that holds the brake magnet), is in front of the spindle and not behind it. Make sure the armature surface of the hub isn't discolored otherwise it will need to be replaced.

While you have the hubs off you can check the brake assemblies to determine if the shoes need to be replaced or if any of the moving parts are bound up or look like they need to be replaced.

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.