Troubleshooting Brakes not Working with at a Trailer With Electric Over Hydraulic Braking

Updated 02/15/2012 | Published 02/14/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(368)

$66.56

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$21.90

Question:

I hooked up to a 40foot trailer every thing worked except for the brakes equipped with a dexter 1000psi controller motor.

asked by: Graylan K

Expert Reply:

To properly operate the actuator # K71-651, the brake controller you are using needs to be compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems. We offer the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 that would work great for you.

If the brake controller is turned up to maximum gain, you should be getting 12 volts on the blue wire feeding the actuator (when the controller is activated). The black wire feeding the actuator should show a constant 12 volts. If you do not have a multimeter, we offer one as part # PT89ZR.

You can confirm proper operation of the actuator by doing the following:

Disconnect black, white and blue wires from actuator. Twist the blue and black wires together, and connect to positive terminal of a 12 volt battery that is known to be in good condition. Ground the white wire form the actuator to the negative battery terminal. This should cause the actuator pump to operate the brakes. If it does not, the actuator needs to be replaced. If the actuator does operate, the problem lies elsewhere.

expert reply by: Jameson C