Troubleshooting Breakaway Switch To See If it is Reason System Isn't Working
Updated 01/04/2021 | Published 12/31/2020
Question:
Hello, I have a 2006 Keystone Laredo 5th wheel and am testing my breakaway switch and nothing is happening when pin is pulled. I replaced all the brakes and they work great when the brakes are applied from the truck. Now when I pull the switch pin nothing happens. I test the connecting coming into the switch and get 13v. Is the contact switch inside the switch possibly bad and not completing the circuit? The switch is wired into the main 7-pin trailer wire from factory and all runs to RV battery. No aftermarket parts. I did by trailer used and this is the first time I have tested the switch so it may have been some time since its actually worked. I am doing all of this with the trailer disconnected from the truck and only supplied from the RV battery. I should still hear the magnets attempting to engage while the RV is sitting still I assume. I also tested the switch with the truck connected and the wheels jacked up and nothing engages but the truck brakes. If I cut the wires leading to the breakaway switch and connect them together completing the circuit and the brakes engage that should tell me the switch is bad? I just dont want to do that unless there is nothing else anyone can think of. Thank You Very Much
asked by: Cory F
Expert Reply:
If you cut the wiring of the switch and bypassed it like you mentioned and could hear the brakes hum that would mean that the switch is the issue that's preventing the system from working properly. Based on what you mentioned already it does sound like this is the most likely cause.
In that case a replacement switch like the part # 420000 would be what you'd need.
