Trailer Brakes Come On Instead of Charging Battery in Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit 20099

Updated 01/03/2012 | Published 01/02/2012

Question:

My system apears to be hooked up properly. My test light on the battery box showes that the battery needs to be charged. When I plug in to my pickup the charging light does not light up. When I try to drive away my breaks on the trailer lock up. Does the battery have to have a charge in order for the breaks to release?

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

First, it is recommended that you charge the battery before installing the system. However, there may be another problem. It sounds like there could be a wiring issue or an improper ground that is causing a short and making the brakes engage.

It seems that you may have the the wire that should go from the battery to the trailer connector going to the brakes instead. That would engage the trailer brakes on full and that would not charge the battery.

Take a look at the wiring FAQ I have included and make sure that the wires on the 7-Way trailer connector are going to the appropriate places. After that it is just a matter of following the diagram in the instructions I have linked for you.

I also recommend grounding the unit to the trailer frame if you can for a more substantial ground.

expert reply by: Michael H