Pulling Breakaway Switch Pin Causes Battery Box to Burn and Melt and Running Lights Stay On

Updated 05/09/2016 | Published 05/08/2016

Question:

so I have the breakaway box with pin stuck inside , I pry it out and note Im plugged into a trailer power box , it starts to melt. I disconnect the power. replaced the breakaway box and now the running lights will not shut off.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

If things start to melt when you pull the breakaway pin from the switch then that indicates a bad short that we have to track down. It also sounds like somehow the trailer running light circuit is being tied into the brake and breakaway system wiring which it should not be; or that there was additional damage in the trailer side connector causing a short between the running light circuit and another circuit.

A breakaway system has to be wired up a certain way. I have included a diagram that shows how kit # 2028 should be wired.

Check the trailer side connector for any damaged wires on the inside of the connector because that could be were the running light circuit is getting power when it should not be.

expert reply by: Michael H