After Installing New Electric Trailer Brakes Pilot Brake Controller Shows Erratic Power/Weak Brakes
Updated 12/03/2012 | Published 11/27/2012
Question:
I have a one axle trailer, i just put on new backing plate, complete brake units and drums. Now my voltage display jumps all over the place and weak braking.i have to turn up the voltage wheel all the way up to feel the brakes ingauge. There are two green wires on the magnet on the brakes dose it matter which wire goes to ground or positive side? the parts man told me it dosent matter is this true or is this my problem? I didnt have this problem unit i replace the brake units on my trailer. Did i damage my controller? Please let me know your input on this if you have any ideas.
asked by: Frank C
Expert Reply:
On the brake magnets it should not matter which one is ground and which is power. The grounds should be near the magnet and connected to a bare metal surface that is clean and corrosion free. You will also want to make sure that the main trailer connector ground is attached to a good place and there are no breaks in the magnet power wires.
Also, make sure that the brakes have been adjusted. I have included a video link that goes over this process for you.
To test the brake controller, start by severing the blue wire from the back of the controller a few inches. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller while you apply the manual override. The wire should show constant power while the override is engaged and not at any other time. If it does show erratic power, then this indicates a problem inside the controller, and it will need to be replaced.
I have included links to FAQ articles on testing brake magnets and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.
