2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Blows Fuse After Dexter Trailer Brakes Were Replaced

Updated 02/23/2015 | Published 02/21/2015

Question:

i replaced my dexter brakes 3.5k and now the fuse in the truck keeps blowing. why.

asked by: Douglas H

Expert Reply:

If your new Silverado 3500 is suddenly blowing a fuse after you replaced your trailer brakes, then a short in the trailer wiring is most likely to be the issue. Since you do not mention which truck fuse is blowing I must assume it is the fuse for the trailer lights. If not please let me know.

Start by checking the condition of the trailer plug; check for any signs of corrosion that could be causing two separate circuits to become bridged together, which could cause a short. It can happen that a trailer connector can develop such corrosion over time. Inspect and clean or replace your trailer 7-way as needed. Also trace all of the trailer wiring, from the connector all the way to its connection point, looking for signs of worn or cracked insulation, especially around points where the wire has to make sharp bends or where it might be touching the trailer frame. Over time friction can wear off insulation and lead to a short.

Also check your brake assembly installation to look for a crack in the wire leading to the brake circuit. It does not matter which wire is ground and hot, but it does matter if there is a problem in the brake circuit wire causing it to short to the trailer frame.

expert reply by: Adam R