Inspecting and Testing Trailer Brake Magnet and Wiring

Updated 07/25/2014 | Published 07/23/2014

Question:

magnet and wiring condition after trailer brakes locked up

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The magnet looks to be fine, a little dirty perhaps, but it doesn't look like the copper windings are coming through.

The melted wire though indicates that there was likely a short that caused the wire to melt. A short could have been at the magnet or the wiring to the magnet. Pinched wires or frayed copper strands touching bare metal could be the cause.

I have included a link to a help article that explains how to test the magnets.

expert reply by: Michael H