Brake Controller Has Power But Trailer Brakes Do Not Work
Updated 07/08/2014 | Published 07/06/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Pinch trailer wires got all lights back but trailer brakes arent working I have power to the controller
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
There are some tests you can do to determine where the problem is: brake controller, truck, or trailer. First, in the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override or brake pedal. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced or there is a short or dirty trailer connector.
If it tests fine, then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.
You can test the brake output pin and 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 track down.
If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 7 Blade
- Plug Only
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: wire tester
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: A Closer Look at the Tekonsha Voyager iD Brake Controller
- Video: A Closer Look at the Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness
- Video: What to Know About the Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Video: Feature Breakdown: LCD Digital Circuit Tester
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector
- Shop: TowSmart ProClass 7-Blade Trailer Connector w/ Wire Tester - Trailer End
- Shop: Curt Dual Connection Socket w/ Bracket - 7-Way RV Style and 4-Way Flat - Vehicle End
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: 7 pin replacement
- Search Results: 6 way cable
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: How Much Voltage Should Be Applied To Brakes on Trailer w/ Electric Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Is Required On a 7-Way Connector
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire does 4-Way Trailer Wiring Use
- Article: How to Measure a Trailer Axle
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Power on the Blue Brake Output Wire from a Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
on Trailer Wiring
