Electric Brakes On Trailer Working Intermediately With 2006 Mitsubishi Raider

Question:

I have an issue with my trailer brakes working only when they want to. Ive tested the controller as stated, checked red and black for power, severed the blue wire, its working properly. As I drive trailer brakes will start to work sometimes then cut out half way through braking. Other times they wont work at all but giving me the E2 error code on my Hopkins controller. All lights and blinkers work exactly how they should, no flickering. The TV is a 2006 Mitsubishi Raider V8, Im using the factory wiring plug with adapter to the controller.

asked by: Marcus

Expert Reply:

According to Hopkins installation manual, the E2 error indicates that there is a blue wire short somewhere in along the trailer wiring or a possible defective magnet in the brake assemblies.

First, you will need to check the blue wiring from the brake controller to the the trailer electric brakes. Check your electrical connection between the your vehicle and your trailer. The plug might not be making a secure connecting, causing an intermediate signal.

There could be an electrical short in the blue wire somewhere between your vehicle and the the trailer's brakes. Something as small as a wire rubbed through the insulation and touching the frame will cause your brakes not to function properly.

If the electrical connection and the wiring turn out not to be causing the problem, then you will need to test to see if you have an issue with the electric magnets of the brake assemblies.

There are a few different tests that you can perform to diagnose if your magnets are causing your brake issues.

You can test individual magnets by cutting the magnet wires and connecting a ammeter, like # PT89ZR, between the positive terminal on a 12-volt battery and on of the wires of the magnet. Connect the other magnet wire to the negative terminal of the battery. If your magnet, depending on the side of your brakes, reads greater or less the specified amps(the linked article will have all the amp ratings for testing the magnets), then the magnet is bad and needs to be replaced