Trailer Brakes Work with Manual Override But Not When Using Brake Pedal

Updated 08/22/2018 | Published 08/21/2018

Question:

The magnets work when applying from the cab of truck. But my brakes dont work when applying going down the road , what else can I check ?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brakes on your trailer are working when testing them using the manual override on your brake controller, but not when actually stepping down on the brake pedal during travel. If this is the case then the brake controller red wire may just be connected to the wrong brake switch wire above the brake pedal. You just want to make sure that you are connected to the cold side of the brake light switch, which is the wire that receives power only with the brake pedal depressed and no power with any other function. You can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to determine the correct wire.

If this does not resolve the issue please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R