Brake Controller Has Power But Trailer Brakes Do Not Work
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Pinch trailer wires got all lights back but trailer brakes arent working I have power to the controller
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
There are some tests you can do to determine where the problem is: brake controller, truck, or trailer. First, in the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override or brake pedal. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced or there is a short or dirty trailer connector.
If it tests fine, then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.
You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.
If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 6 way cable
- Article: How to Measure a Trailer Axle
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Shop: Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 2" Slipper Springs - 13-1/8" Long Equalizers
- Shop: Hopkins 6-Way Connector with Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long
- Shop: 12 Gauge 7 Conductor Jacketed Wire - Per Foot
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Shop: Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire with Silver Modular Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2
- Shop: Rambler ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire with Black Vesper Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2
- Video: Trailer Brakes and Wiring Installation
- Search Results: swivel jack
- Search Results: positive offset trailer rims
- Shop: Provider ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire with Silver Vesper Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2
- Search Results: 7 way
- Search Results: trailer axle
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Wiring Issues on a 2002 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Wiring 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Q&A: Locating Brake Controller Power Fuse On a 2002 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Location of Brake Controller Fuse on a 2001 Chevy Silverado
- Shop: 2" Round Grommet - Flush Mount - Open Back
- Q&A: How Much Clearance Between the Frame Is Needed for a Trailer Tire
- Video: Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Vesper Silver Mod Wheel Review
- Q&A: How Much Clearance is Needed to Account for Suspension Travel on a Trailer
- Q&A: How Much Should a Leaf Spring Bend and How Much Distance Should Be Between Axle and Trailer
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
on Trailer Wiring
