Troubleshooting a Blue Ox Patriot 3 Braking System that Won't Release Brakes
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/17/2024
Question:
I have a Blue ox patriot 3 system that i have used for 2 years without issues. Now my towed vehicle rear brakes will not release when trying to flat tow. the blue ox six conductor cable has no shorts or opens. I m suspecting the break away switch is not functioning correctly. Any suggestions? The blue ox box does not have any errors.
asked by: Randall L
Expert Reply:
Have you tried resetting the unit? If not, I recommend giving that a try before you go on replacing anything. What you're going to need to do is power off/unplug the system and wait a bit before powering it back on. Then, push the setup button again to see if that fixes it.
If not, you can also make sure that the push pads are making good contact with the drivers seat and the brake unit is resting against it (without any actual pressure from the seat) and that the claw is securely attached to the brake pedal.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: rm 8700
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Search Results: tow bar
- Search Results: demco stay~in~play
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Search Results: battery disconnect
- Shop: Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2018 Ford Focus
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2018 Ford Focus
- Q&A: What Does Triangle on Blue Ox Patriot Remote Controller Mean
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Video: DIY Install: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit on your 2018 Ford Focus
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: flat tow wiring harness
- Q&A: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2018 Ford Focus With Adaptive Cruise Control
- Q&A: How to Power Electric Braking System When Ford Focus Battery is Disconnected
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Jeep Compass?
- Video: DIY 2018 Ford Focus Installation for the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit
- Video: Flat Tow Ready - Install Blue Ox Battery Disconnect on 2024 GMC Sierra 3500
- Shop: Blue Ox Acclaim Non-Binding Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 5,000 lbs
- Search Results: brake lights
on Flat Tow Brake System
Jesse M.
2/17/2026
Hey, how did things go after you reset the Blue Ox Patriot 3 and checked the push pad contact with the seat? Your results could really help others who run into the same brake release issue.