Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Plug Getting 9V at Blue Wire

Question

Question:

My voltage coming out of my truck is 12.6v on the blue wire for the electric brakes, when I plug my trailer plug in on the blue wire I'm getting 9v. Is the trailer plug bad?

asked by: Cornel

0

Expert Reply:

A faulty trailer plug is a possibility. What you can do is check the plug to see if there is any type of corrosion built up that may be hampering it's functionality. If the corrosion is extensive and you are unable to clean it, you'll need to replace your connector with a new one such as the Hopkins 7-Way Connector # H20046 or Pollak 7-Pole Connector # PK12706.

The other thing you'll want to do is check your wiring, making sure there are no wires which are pinched or damaged in any way.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

The most common issue with breakaway systems occurs because of the wiring. They do not always make it as straight forward as it could be. Starting from the trailer side connector the brake output wire will go to the brakes and to the breakaway…

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Answer 2

A trailer brake assembly magnet is going to lightly touch the armature surface of the brake drum even when the brakes aren't applied. They basically glide along the smooth surface until you apply the trailer brakes which magnetizes them and…

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Answer 3

Brake controllers allow you to vary the voltage applied to the trailer brakes to allow for different braking power. If the controller is set to it's max output voltage it should be right at 12 volts. Be sure to have the vehicle running too…

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Answer 4

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 5

It should be getting close to 12 volts if the power output is set to the maximum on the brake controller. Some brake controllers will not work properly if they are titled or turned to the side or if it has a leveler knob that is not level. Check…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you either have bad grounds for the brake assemblies or you are using too small of gauge for the brake assemblies themselves. The brake output circuit should be 10 gauge wire like the part #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot. Make sure…

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Answer 7

I suggest you first verify that one of the two wires from the brake assembly is solidly grounded to the trailer frame. (It does not matter which one of the two wires from the magnet connects to the brake controller output wire and which one connects…

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Answer 8

It sounds like the brake controller might need to be reset or the wiring from the vehicle side to the breakaway system needs to be examined. Try adjusting the power output of the controller. If that does not work, you can test the controller itself…

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Answer 9

As long as all 4 tires have brakes installed, all 4 tires are supposed to lock when the pin is pulled. If only one axle has brakes, the 2 of the 4 tires should lock. There are a couple of possible problems your trailer may be experiencing. One…

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Answer 10

When there is bizarre trailer brake behavior the first place to check is the trailer connectors for corrosion. Check out the trailer connector on your tow vehicle for corrosion and clean as necessary. Electric trailer brakes aren't really…

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Answer 11

It's possible the left and right side brake assemblies were installed on the opposing/incorrect side they are intended for. While this would not change how the magnets power up it can negatively affect braking. If that's not the case, you may…

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Answer 12

I believe you almost solved the problem when you swapped the wiring, but in reality you needed to use 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot). You are experiencing a voltage drop due to the long distance of wire that's not thick…

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Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Plug Getting 9V at Blue Wire

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