Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes Locking Up

Updated 11/04/2020 | Published 11/03/2020

Question:

My trailer brakes are locking up. What are the magnets?

asked by: Mike C

Expert Reply:

The magnet in an electric brake assembly is the component that activates your trailer's brakes when you step on your vehicle's brakes. When you step on your vehicles brakes your trailer brake controller sends power to your trailer via the blue wire, and goes to the magnet in the electric trailer brake assembly to activate your trailer brakes.

The magnet's are located towards the bottom of the electric brake assembly and have two wires coming out of them, one will attach to trailer frame as a ground, the other wire will connect to the blue wire coming from your trailer brake controller.

Since you mentioned that your trailer brakes are locking up, I recommend checking the wires coming from each magnet to ensure there is no damage to the wiring, that the connectors are tight, and that the wire attached to the trailer's frame is secure and attached to clean non corroded metal.

You can then remove the drum from the trailer brake assembly and visually inspect the magnet to make sure you do not see any exposed windings which will require you to replace the magnet.

I included a helpful article that shows you how to test your magnets to ensure they are working properly.

expert reply by: Samuel C