Intermittent Trailer Brakes

Updated 04/26/2024 | Published 04/25/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(172)

$90.25

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1491)

$10.94

Curt 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(39)

$11.13

Question:

My electric trailer brakes are intermittent. my draw-tite brake controller flashes N.C no connection and brakes on trailer dont work, but then for some reason down the road the controller shows actual brake numbers and I can feel the trailer brakes working. Then sometimes they stop working again and controller goes back to flashing N.C. Thinking issue with a connection somewhere on trailer, thoughts? maybe ground or something.

asked by: Nathan L

Expert Reply:

Hello Nathan,

Thank you for your purchase from etrailer of the Draw-Tite Brake Controller # TK63VR. For intermittent brake controller operation like yours, the ground is certainly the first thing I'd look at. If you hardwired the controller, make sure the ground to the negative battery terminal is solid and not potentially loose.

The other thing that may be happening is an issue with the 7-way connectors. 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. A build-up of corrosion can interfere with the signals getting through the connectors so if it is present you are going to need to replace the plug with # C58145 for the trailer side.

Additionally, to help prevent any type of corrosion in your connector, and increase its durability and lifespan I highly recommend using Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors # 11755.

expert reply by: Kyle S