Why do the Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Ignition is Turned On

Question:

I have a Tekonsha electric brake system. When the ignition switch is turned on the brakes on my trailer lock up. What is wrong?

asked by: Ron B

Expert Reply:

If your trailer brakes are locking up as soon as the ignition is turned, the issue is that you are getting power on the stop light wire as soon as you turn your key.

This most likely means that the red stoplight switch wire from the brake controller is connected to wire that gets power with ignition, instead of the correct wire coming off the brake pedal. Use a circuit tester on the wires coming off your brake pedal to determine which wire gets power when the pedal is pressed, and has no power when the pedal is released.

I would also recommend checking the settings on your # 39510 Voyager brake controller, as the brake resistance may be set too high for your application.

If you do find that the resistance is set correctly, and the stop light wire is connected to the correct wire from the brake pedal, another possibility would be that the unit itself is faulty and would need to be replaced. Brake controllers are not user serviceable.

expert reply by: Sarah L