Troubleshooting Tail Lights and Weak Electric Brakes

Published 09/15/2009

Question:

i have replaced all electrical parts on trailer new brakes lights all the wiring is new i can not get tail markers to work and electric brakes work but not like they should

asked by: tim

Expert Reply:

You will need to use a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if you need one, to test the connector on the vehicle to be sure your taillight circuit is working. If not, you may have a blown fuse on that circuit or a short somewhere between the taillights and the connector. If your vehicle checks out ok, then you will need to check the wiring on the trailer with the circuit tester to see where the problem is. Be sure to check all ground connection points on the vehicle, trailer and trailer lights also.

It sounds like your electric brakes are hooked up properly so you may need to use your brake controller's instructions to set up the controller to work with your trailer brakes, especially if the magnets are new. If you have a proportional brake controller you will not get full power to the brakes when sitting still and will need to set up the controller while making low speed stops. If you have a time delayed controller the setting may be turned down too low to provide enough power to the trailer. If none of these things work for the brakes you may have worn out brake magnets that need to be replaced if you have not already replaced them.

expert reply by: Robert G