Troubleshooting New Electric Trailer Brakes Working Intermittently

Updated 10/28/2019 | Published 10/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7K

(1627)

$377.09

Cordless Circuit Tester

(15)

$19.26

Question:

Good morning, Am having a problem with my electric brakes. Installed new brake packages but my brakes are not as good and do not work all the time. The controller is a factory 2007 2500 Chevrolet option. I did not have this problem before I installed new brakes on my Montana 5th wheel 3400 RL . At times they seem to grab hard and other times have the gain set to 10 and they do nothing. Is there a way to test load as I have power to plug. My connections are all soldered and shrink tubed. That way I know I have a secure connection. I notice in your video you say there is no difference in which wires to connect. Would it make a difference going thru a breakaway circuit? Dont know if I am having a blonde moment or what but I am puzzled..Thanks for your time,

asked by: Jim F

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is true that either wire on electric brakes, like part # 23-464-465, can be used for the power or ground.

If you didn't change anything aside from the brakes and everything worked properly before then the only thing that comes to mind is that you have some damaged wiring somewhere on the brake circuit. If some wiring is bent then it could be disconnecting and then reconnecting at random times which is why your braking isn't consistent.

Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2979 to test the 7-Way plug on your 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500. If the brake signal works properly on that then you know you need to check your trailer wiring. If it doesn't work properly then you know the issue is on the truck side of the towing rig.

Attached is a photo you can reference for which pin you need to test with the circuit tester.

expert reply by: Jon G