No Braking From Trailer Brakes

Updated 10/16/2023 | Published 10/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Cordless Circuit Tester

(15)

$19.43

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(723)

$8.37

Question:

A few years ago I got a small travel trailer and installed a trailer brake controller from etrailer.com, in my truck. I recently noticed the trailer brakes are not engaging. I disassembled the wheel hubs and drums and noticed the pads were in good shape but the magnet faces and the surface they contact were badly scored. I finally found one company here willing to work on them but they wanted over $xxxx to replace the brakes and $xxx/ hr. for the labor. So I got the brakes and drums from etrailer and installed them myself. After the break in program etrailer suggested, I still have no trailer brake activity. The controller read-out shows no malfunction alerts and no sign of trouble. What can you suggest about this issue?

asked by: John W

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will need to find out if the issue is on the brake controller, vehicle, or trailer. To test the brake controller, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use circuit tester # PTW2979 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override; if it shows power at idle then there is an issue with the controller and it will need to be replaced. This may occur even if the controller shows no signs of malfunction.

If the controller tests fine, reconnect the blue wire and move on to the truck side trailer connector. Often, corrosion or dirt may be the cause of a short in a trailer connector. Check the plug to see if there is any type of corrosion built up that may be hampering its functionality, and if so, replace it with # PK12706.

You will also want to test the brake output pin on the 7-way socket; it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to find. You'll also need to make sure the ground wires are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.

I have also attached a help article below on troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out which I recommend reading.

expert reply by: Kyle S