Trailer Breakaway System Not Locking Trailer Brakes when Pin is Pulled

Updated 06/15/2015 | Published 06/14/2015

Question:

I hooked up my engager trailer break away kit and it shows that it is charging, I charged it for 2 hours straight, but when I pull out the pin and press the test button the red light comes on saying recharge! But when the pin is intact and I press the test button it light up green, my breaks arent locking up, what do I do

asked by: Devontae W

Expert Reply:

It sounds like something is miswired or there is a loose connection or poor ground somewhere. On the Engager the brake output wire from the trailer connector will go to a blue wire on the breakaway switch. You will just be tapping into this wire, the original wire still goes back to the trailer brakes. The other wire on the switch will connect to the blue wire from the box with the battery in it.

The white wire on the box will ground to the ground wire from the wiring harness and/or to the trailer frame.

The black wire will connect to the 12 volt wire from the wiring harness.

So when the pin is pulled it completes a circuit and the battery sends power along those blue wires to the trailer brakes. If power isn't making it to the trailer brakes from the battery check the wiring from the box to the switch and from the switch to the brakes. Look for loose, frayed, or pinched wires.

expert reply by: Michael H