No Power To Trailer Brakes When Using Manual Slide Switch on Hayes Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The brake controller should be getting 12 volts of power through the Black wire. You will want to use a multimeter like part # PT89ZR to test this wire for voltage. The Blue wire should have near 12 volts when the manual slide is activated. You will also want to make sure the gain on the brake controller is not set all the way down. If you are not getting power leaving the Blue wire, the brake controller may be bad and will need to be replaced.

I would begin by making sure you have the Red wire on the brake controller connected to the stoplight switch on the vehicle. The Red wire should be connected to the wire that only has signal when the brakes on the vehicle are activated.

If you are getting 12 volts on the Blue wire at the vehicle side trailer connector, the problem may be in the either the vehicle or trailer side connector or the trailer wiring.

Start by checking each connector for corrosion. If there is corrosion in the connectors, this could be causing the problem and not allowing power to get to the trailer brakes.

Next, you will want to inspect the wiring on the trailer and make sure there are not any frayed or cut wires. Also, each brake assembly on the trailer needs to be connected to a clean metal surface for a good ground.

Finally, you will want to pull the hub off the brakes, and inspect the brake magnets. If the magnets are worn to the point where the copper windings are visible, the magnets are bad and will need to be replaced. I have also linked an FAQ on testing brake magnets.

expert reply by: Reno H

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