Troubleshooting 6-Way Trailer Wiring That Displays Constant Power on Trailer Brake Circuit

Updated 06/09/2016 | Published 06/08/2016

Question:

Connecting new plug 6 way to back of pickup, Current is always flowing in the brake wire. Could this be due to the adjuster on the left side of unit?? Many Thanks.

asked by: William P

Expert Reply:

A 6-way trailer connector can be wired in one of two ways. One way is to have the center pin wired to carry the +12V trailer power feed. The other is to have the center pin carry the trailer brake circuit. It sounds like you may have a vehicle and trailer that do not share the same wiring configuration. If this is the case you can install a vehicle side socket like # PK11609 and wire it to match the pin assignments on the trailer. An article on trailer wiring is linked for reference.

Another possibility is that there is a build-up of corrosion inside one of the connectors that is causing the brake and power circuits to become bridged together. Bad corrosion can actually cause physical contact between adjacent circuits and cause a signal from one to bleed over to the other. If you find any evidence of discoloration/corrosion either inside or on the exterior of either connector then an application of a spray-on electrical contact cleaner may fix the issue.

The position of the star wheel adjuster in your drum brakes would not affect the brake electrically since it only affect the pads positions.

expert reply by: Adam R