Pilot Trailer Brake Controller Staying On After Releasing the Brake Pedal

Updated 06/07/2012 | Published 06/06/2012

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Question:

My pilot break controller stays on after releasing the break pedal. If I apply the break pedal bump it it releases the breaks goes back to working normally until I apply the breaks again.

asked by: Tommy

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may need to check the connection on the red wire. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed to test the wiring. Make sure the red wire is attached to the wire that only shows a signal when the brake pedal is pressed. Also make sure that it has a good connection.

Next you can sever the blue wire a few inches back from the brake controller and use the circuit tester to test the brake controller end. Apply the manual override, it should show a signal when the override is applied and no signal when you release it. It should also do the same with the brake pedal.

If it is showing power when it should not be, there is something wrong inside the controller and it will need to be replaced. If it is working properly then there could an issue with the trailer connectors, the wiring on the trailer, or the brakes themselves.

Check the vehicle side and trailer side connectors for dirt and corrosion and clean them out. Corrosion can also build up behind the connectors where the wires attach. Check the wiring to the brake magnets on the trailer for any nicks in the wiring that could be touching metal on the frame. Make sure all grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can also test the magnets to see if they are the problem. First examine the magnets to see if the windings are coming through as that would indicate that they need to be replaced. You can further test the magnets by following the FAQ I have linked for you.

expert reply by: Michael H