Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes Not Registering With the Brake Controller

Updated 07/16/2024 | Published 01/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(194)

$87.81

7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side

(375)

$13.57

Hopkins Endurance 7-Way Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design

(145)

$19.56

Question:

I have a 2011 Chevy 3500 dually towing a ranch King 40foot flat. The truck will sometimes register the trailer brakes when plugged in the 7 way. Other times and more recently it will be connected and show flat dash lines for the gain and will not register the trailer. I just re wired the trailer brakes due to the wires pulling out of the brake connectors under the trailer and everything worked well with no issues. I cant get the truck to consistently register the brakes and wanted to ask if you knew what may cause this issue. Thank you.

asked by: Jeff T

Expert Reply:

I can help you troubleshoot your brake controller error.

Sounds like a grounding issue to the brake magnet ground. I would make sure that the ground wire is secured tightly to a clean surface on the frame. If the wire is attached to the body or a surface with an undercoating or rust it can cause a ground problem. I recommend cleaning the area or finding a better grounding spot for the wire. Another option would be to run all the grounds to the front of the trailer where the main ground is located.

If that doesn't work then it may be a corrosion issue with the plug. I would check both plugs to see if they are making a good connection, you can try to clean them but replacing them is usually the best option. I recommend the 7 way trailer connector # A7WCB and a 7 way vehicle connector # HM48480 for replacements.

If you continue to have problems, please let me know, I'd be more than happy to troubleshoot further with you.

expert reply by: Jackie C

Red

7/16/2024

I have a similar problem with a wierd angle. My 2013 chevy 2500 hd diesel doesn't register the brakes (all the lights work) my coworker is in a 3/4 newer model Ford and his truck locks the brakes on the trailer. I haven't used the bakes on it in years so they probably need servicing but I can't figure out why his truck registers the brakes and mine doesn't. This is one 5 trailers we use weekly with brakes and the only one with issues.

Bryce D.

7/16/2024

@Red Hey Red, it does sound like the brakes on that one trailer is out of the resistance window which is why it doesn't work. The factory trailer brake controller checks the resistance of the brakes to see if a trailer is plugged in, which in turn will activate the brakes. I'd recommend trying to clean the connectors and make sure there is no corrosion, check the wiring for any damages/broken wires, and make sure the grounds are secured and to a bare metal surface.