Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Locking Up at Slow Speed

Updated 10/16/2018 | Published 10/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1481)

$10.96

Question:

I have had the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller on my 2016 Toyota Tundra for a couple of years now, and this past trip, I noticed at slow speeds 1-5ish mph that my trailer tires would lock up and skid. I havent done any adjusting to the controller at all since it was installed by the trailer dealer, and havent had any problems until now. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance

asked by: JIM G

Expert Reply:

It appears your trailer brakes are receiving full 12V power at these low speeds. Since they are completely locking up, it appears that you most likely have some corrosion or debris in your 7-way trailer connection. This can cause that 12V power circuit to combine with the brake output pin and cause that issue. The good news is it happens at low speed and is an easy fix. You will simply want to clean your connection using some sand paper or steel wool on both the vehicle and trailer side connectors and then I recommend using dielectric grease # 11755 to keep moisture and debris out and preventing corrosion. While you are at cleaning things up, make sure your ground connections are bare metal to metal and free of corrosion and debris.

If this doesn't solve your issue, let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.

expert reply by: Jason S