Advice For Trailer Brakes That Are Locked Up  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are a few different things that could be the issue with your trailer brakes locking up. I'll try to walk you through what to look for to isolate the issue.

First, I would check to see if there is a break away pin on the trailer, like # 3802348. If there is a break away pin, make sure that the connection is complete. If the connection has been pulled and not reconnected properly, the trailer brakes would be locked up as that is what it is designed to do.

Next, I would take a circuit tester, like # PTW2993 and check the 7-way connector at the rear of your truck. What I would test is the power from the brake controller, which is the blue wire and the 5 o'clock position blade. Connect the alligator clip to a clean ground and touch the probe to the blade of the electric brake controller. When you hit the manual override on the brake controller, the light should be on, and when not hitting that override the light should be off on your circuit tester. If there is light, and thus power in both manual override and without, then you have a brake controller issue. I would unplug it for 10 to 15 seconds and then reconnect it to see if it will reset itself, but if not, you will need to replace the brake controller because the output is constantly hot and that means sending signal to constantly engage the brakes

If your brake controller is working properly, then you will need to check the actual axle, bearings, and brakes on the trailer. When off the ground, wheels should spin with little resistance. Try to back off the brake adjustment and see if you can get the wheel to spin freely. If they don't, you unfortunately will need to disassemble the hub to find the issue such as bad bearings. I've attached a couple articles to help.

expert reply by: Jason S

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