Trailer Brakes Intermittently Turn On While Driving without Using Brake Pedal or Manual Override
Published 03/13/2014
Question:
The problem I am having is the trailer brakes will intermittently kick in while driving. I had a trailer shop look at it but they didnt find anything. Can you give me an idea of what could be the problem?
asked by: Lisa
Helpful Expert Reply:
It is possible that there is a short somewhere that is intermittently kicking in due to vehicle/trailer position changes as you drive. The likely culprits are the trailer connectors on the vehicle and trailer. You will need to make sure that the connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.
To test the controller use a circuit tester such as # PTW2991. Sever the blue wire a few inches from the back of the controller and test the end coming out of the controller while fully applying the manual override. The controller should only show power when the manual override is pressed. Power at any other times indicates a problem inside the controller and it will need to be replaced.
You will also want to check the red wire connection on the controller. It should only have power when you step on the brake pedal. If it shows power at any other time then you are likely connected to the wrong wire.
If the brake controller checks out fine then reconnect all the wires. Then check the brake output blue wire from the controller to the connector looking for any loose or frayed wires and fix as needed.
On the trailer side you will want to inspect the brake magnet wiring the same way. Make sure the grounds are connected to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Then visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the windings coming through they will need to be replaced.
To further test the magnets you can follow the how-to article I have linked. I have also linked a couple on brake controllers for you.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 5th wheel lube plate
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch plate
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch rails
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: PullRite Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 20K
- Shop: Curt Lube Plate for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10" Diameter
- Shop: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Q&A: Trailer Brakes are Very Weak Even After Adjusting Them
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes That Hum But Do Not Engage Drums
- Q&A: Electric Trailer Brakes That Stopped Working Moving Forward But Work in Reverse
- Search Results: shipping times
- Shop: ProGrip Hunter's Hoist with Pulley and Rope Lock - 20' Long x 3/8" Diameter - 500 lbs
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Engager Trailer Breakaway System That Keeps Brakes Engaged
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Trailer Brake Controller
