Electric Trailer Brakes Slow to Release After Stepping on Brake Pedal

Updated 04/28/2015 | Published 04/26/2015

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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Question:

after pressing the brakes, it feels like the brakes are dragging.

asked by: Sherri

Expert Reply:

If the electric frailer brakes are not fully releasing after taking your foot off of the brake pedal, then there are a couple of things you can check. The easiest thing to check is going to be the vehicle and trailer side connectors.

Make sure that the trailer connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Corrosion can cause a short which would draw power to the brake magnets.

You also need to make sure that the brake controller is behaving as it should. What you can do is sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the brake 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 (and brake pedal for a time delayed controller). If it shows power without the manual override or brake pedal, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will have to be replaced.

You can also inspect the trailer wiring to see if it is the problem. Look for any pinched or damaged wires and fix as needed. Also make sure the grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

Visually inspect the brake magnets and if you can see the windings coming through then they will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets, you can follow the help article I have linked. Also make sure that the brakes are properly adjusted and that the parts move freely. Dirt and debris can get in there and bind up the moving parts some.

expert reply by: Michael H