Troubleshooting Breakaway Switch Not Working and Only Clicking When Plunger Is Pulled

Updated 12/15/2020 | Published 12/11/2020

Question:

everything works fine except breakaway switch-good batteries and switch-just makes clicking sound when switch is pulled?

asked by: Robert N

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brakes aren't engaging when the breakaway switch on your Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire # 20099 is pulled, which would lead me to believe that either something is mis-wired, there is a loose wiring connection or there is a poor ground connection. On the breakaway system the brake output wire from the trailer connector will go to a blue wire on the breakaway switch; you will just be tapping into this wire and the original wire still goes back to the trailer brakes. The other wire on the switch will connect to the blue wire from the box with the battery in it.

The white wire on the box will ground to the ground wire from the wiring harness and/or to the trailer frame.

The black wire will connect to the 12 volt wire from the wiring harness.

So when the pin is pulled it completes a circuit and the battery sends power along those blue wires to the trailer brakes. If power isn't making it to the trailer brakes from the battery check the wiring from the box to the switch and from the switch to the brakes. Look for loose, frayed, or pinched wires.

I've also linked a helpful diagram that outlines the connections that should be made and can be used as a guide. If everything checks out as working, let me know and I can provide you with some other potential issues to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B