Electric-Over-Hydraulic Actuator Pump Activates with Breakaway Switch But Not Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To determine if the issue is with the actuator, you will want to do some testing. At the actuator, cut the 12 volt power wire, ground wire and electric brake power wire with enough room to splice the wires back together after the test. Next, grab an independent 12 volt power source such as a vehicle battery. Touch the bare end of the 12 volt power wire and electric brake power wire to the positive battery terminal and touch the ground wire to the negative battery terminal. This will simulate power from a brake controller reaching the actuator.

If the pump does not activate, then the actuator is the problem and it will need to be replaced. If it is still under warranty, you should contact the manufacturer for warranty options. If it is not under warranty, it would be best to get a new unit. These units were not designed to be internally serviceable.

If the pump activates, then the issue has to be in the wiring between the brake controller and the actuator or with the brake controller itself. You said you have inspected all of the wiring. Have you changed brake controllers or trucks recently? Some brake controllers are not compatible with electric-over-hydraulic units, so that could be the problem as well. If your brake controller is not compatible, I recommend switching to the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. This is one of the top brake controllers on the market and will work great.

If your brake controller is compatible, then the next step I would take is to make sure power from the brake controller is reaching the actuator. First, use a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to test the 5 o'clock pin (see photo) in the trailer connector on your tow vehicle while a helper pushes the manual override on the brake controller. You should see power at that pin. If you do not, then you may need to increase the power level on the brake controller, or the issue is somewhere on the truck between the brake controller and trailer connector.

If you have power at the trailer connector, then the issue is likely on the trailer. Make sure there is no corrosion or dirt build up in the trailer connector. That could be blocking the signal from the brake controller. You may have done this already, but you will want to inspect the brake output wire for any pinched, frayed or damaged sections that could be blocking the signal. Using the circuit tester, probe the wire at certain points leading up to the actuator to see where the power terminates.

expert reply by: John H

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