Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Using a 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter
Updated 05/04/2015 | Published 05/02/2015
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Question:
I have the same problem on a fleet with the adapter and the brakes are not wired to the center pin of the 6.
asked by: Ken
Expert Reply:
As you probably know there are two ways a 6-Way trailer connector can be wired. One uses the center pin as the 12-volt power accessory feed, the other uses the center pin for the brake output circuit. If the adapter is one way but the trailer is the other way that is when this situation occurs.
Which pin are the brakes wired to? If the trailer brakes lock up immediately when plugged in then they are somehow getting 12 volt constant power. To determine the functions of the adapter you will need to plug the adapter into the tow vehicle but not the trailer. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the output side of the adapter where the trailer would normally plug into.
Compare the results to how the trailer side connector is wired to determine if there is something that needs to be re-wired. Also make sure there is no dirt or corrosion on the pins and where the wires attach on the tow vehicle and trailer side connectors as well as the adapter.
The other option is to remove the 6-Way connector on the trailer and replace it with a 7-Way such as # PK12706 which is much more common than a 6-Way and, once wired up by function to match the tow vehicle should solve the problem. I have included a picture of how 7-Ways get wired.
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