Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # K71-650 Troubleshooting

Question

Question:

My Dexter hydraulic brake actuator has quit working, and I am unsure where the problem lies. I am running a Tekonsha P3 controller. When I apply the brakes in the truck via the pedal or the manual slide on the controller, I get no activation from the hydraulic pump unit. I have verified that the 12V power source is providing power and the controller signal seems to be functioning - my test light is dim on the controller signal wire then brightens up as you slide the manual activation lever across. I disconnected the brake controller signal wire to the pump and when I touch it to the constant 12v power source, the pump comes on and builds pressure. As well, when I pull the break away switch, the pump doesnt run. Can you help?

asked by: Dustin S

0

Expert Reply:

Here is the troubleshooting guide for you to use to determine what in your system is failing you. Could be one of three components being wiring, brake controller or actuator and this will help you identify which one it is.

Detach all wires from the Dexter Axle E/H unit leaving only the blue, black, white and yellow wires. It is important that the unit is disconnected from any other wires going to the towing vehicle or breakaway switch and breakaway battery. Failure to do so may result in a faulty test.

Using a 12 volt battery, connect the white wire to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

Connect the black wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should not run. If the motor runs, the unit may be defective.

Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Connect the blue and black wires together to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize. If this does not occur, the unit may be defective.

Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Connect only the yellow wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize.
If this does not occur, the unit may be defective.

If the unit checks OK, reconnect the wires leading to the trailer plug and repeat the steps at the trailer plug. If you do not get the same results as before, the problem is in the trailer wiring or the electronic brake controller.

expert reply by: Randy B

0

Answer 1

This is definitely something that is frustrating and unfortunately, my answer is not going to be much better. When we have brought this to Dexter in the past, they have told us that their Electric Over Hydraulic actuators like the Dexter DX Series…

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Answer 2

The integrated brake controller of your 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 has a hydraulic mode which would allow it to work with electric over hydraulic actuators without needing an adapter. With that said if for some reason the controller wasn't recognizing…

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Answer 3

Wiring connections for the Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator are as follows. Yellow - Cold side of breakaway switch, The wire that goes hot when a breakaway occurs. Black - Positive connection on breakaway switch, The wire that charges the…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Adapter Module #DX35FR is the part you need. This will allow you to use the factory trailer brake controller on your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 with the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator #K71-651 on your 5th wheel. The Module…

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Answer 5

What brake controller does your truck have? Typically the OEM integrated brake controllers in newer trucks can be a little problematic but the aftermarket ones like the P2 part #90885 work consistently really well. It's pretty common to see the…

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Answer 6

William yes, I can confirm that the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C88RV is what you'd need for your 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. If you're needing help with anything else, feel free to drop a comment before you go!

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Answer 7

It sounds like there may be an issue with the wiring in the trailer to the hydraulic brake actuator. When you installed the Adapter Module #DX35FR you did receive the trailer connected message. I have attached the instructions for the Adapter Module…

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Answer 8

I'm happy to assist. The 7-way plug on your trailer will have the correct pin locations even if the colors don't match. It is not uncommon for different color wires to be used. I've attached a photo with the wiring location and function…

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Answer 9

The truth of the matter is that there simply isn't an electric over hydraulic brake actuator that is going to work well with the factory brake controller in your 2013 Chevy Silverado because those controllers were designed for electric brakes…

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Answer 10

This is a common question we get on lights like the LED Trailer Tail Light with License Bracket part #328-003-81LBM1. The original colors you have are the traditional trailer wiring code so brown=taillights, red=turn/brake and white is ground. On…

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Answer 11

The adapters which allow you to use factory brake controllers with electric over hydraulic brake actuators are not brand or make/model specific. Therefore you can use the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module part #HBA-CAM with…

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Answer 12

If you have a Hydrastar brand actuator on your trailer you could use the part #HBA-CAM and this would take care of your problem. But this only fits the Hydrastar actuators. If it's a Dexter BrakeRite you could use the part #T4845900. If you have…

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Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # K71-650 Troubleshooting

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