Electric Trailer Brakes Permanently Engaged After Replacing 7 Pin

Updated 05/16/2018 | Published 05/15/2018

Question:

I have just replaced my 7-pin connector on my trailer. All the lights works properly but the electric brakes are now permanently engaged. I disconnected the blue EB wire, but the brakes are still engaged. Weird. I am thinking maybe there is an issue with the break-away battery? There is a small amount of current coming from the trailer side. Can I bypass the battery?

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

It is not recommended to bypass the break-away battery and a very small current is normal. The 7-pin connector sounds like it is not connected correctly. It is not uncommon for the trailer brake controller pin at the 5 o'clock position to be reversed with the 12V power on the 1 o'clock position. That reversal will cause the trailer brakes to constantly be engaged. This can be a reversal on the vehicle side or the trailer side. I'd check that first using a circuit tester like # PTW2993.

I've attached a photo to assist. If that isn't the issue we can continue to troubleshoot.

expert reply by: Jason S