Issue With My BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator Not Engaging Brakes
Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 12/19/2025
Question:
Hi, have an issue with my BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator. I can hear the actuator turn on when i press the brakes with the pedal and the internal Ram controller switch. I then pulled the emergency breakaway cord. Again i hear the actuator and the trailer brakes do not engage. I then checked the fluid level, which was very low, maybe none at all. I added brake fluid at least 3.5 small bottles, still the brakes on the trailer do not engage.
asked by: Sean G
Expert Reply:
Hey Sean,
The most common cause of the BrakeRite # T4813102 not engaging the brakes when powered on is due to loose or incorrect wiring, or a bad or loose ground. I would recommend double checking all the wiring to make sure it is secure, and possibly find a new grounding spot. Also in the settings/display make sure it is set to the EOH mode otherwise it won't engage.
If you are still having that issue after those steps let me know and I will continue to troubleshoot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Boat Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Disc Brakes
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Dexter BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - Vented - 1,500 psi
- Shop: Replacement Dexter BrakeRite II SD Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator - Vented - 1,500 psi
- Search Results: resistor
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: hitch lock
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: electric winch
- Shop: Dexter BrakeRite SD Adapter for Ford/Chevy Integral Brake Controllers
- Search Results: spindle wear sleeve
- Search Results: hydrastar
- Video: Review of Hydrastar Actuator Adapter Module for GM Brake Controller - HYD29ZR
- Q&A: Voltage at Brake Magnets is 8 Volts with Brake Controller Set to Maximum
- Q&A: Can Control Module on Titan BrakeRite II SD be Replaced
- Q&A: Is BrakeRite SD Control Module Replaceable
- Shop: Replacement Cable and Pin for Curt Soft Trac I and II Trailer Breakaway Kits - 48"
- Shop: Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - OEM - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Are There 5-Lug Hubs for a Military Trailer with Timken 15118 and 09074 Bearings
- Q&A: Replacement Idler Hubs for Utility Trailer
- Shop: Thinline LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 11 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Q&A: Are There Different Wiring Diagrams for the Titan BrakeRite EHB Electric-Hydraulic Actuator
- Q&A: Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working with Ford Factory Brake Controller
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the LED Trailer Tail Light
- Video: The Low-Down on the LED Trailer Tail Light
- Video: GloLight LED Trailer Tail Light Feature Review
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Video: Review of Dexter Trailer Breakaway Kit - Replacement Switch - K71-691
- Video: All About the Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
Rick M.
1/16/2026
If you feel the electric brakes activating but no braking capabilities , then you may have air in the system. I use the Phoenix Brake system and push brake fluid from the the calipers up to the master cylinder reservoir. Start at the furthest brake caliper and push brake fluid forward. Then switch to the next caliper etc. constantly check the reservoir for fluid. Suck excess fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster. Do this until all the calipers have been bled forward. Maintain the correct amount of fluid in the reservoir , then try the brakes. I’ve used this brake system on 2 trailers. The brakes work exceptionally well. You’ll notice a very slight delay when you apply the brakes but that’s normal because the brake pump needs to pump up. It’s amazing how fast the pump goes from zero pressure to the amount needed.