Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When Brakes are Pressed
Question:
Hello I have a duel axel 14k car trailer it was built in 2022 of September and I let it sit for winter with no covers. Well I went to use it and my left two axles when I would brake on the lowest power setting were locking up fully and smoking the tires. The left side I’m assuming had a ton of rain on into it since I live in Washington. I drove it for about 20 miles and it didn’t get any better so I have parked it. Any ideas of what to check and look for or replace? Should I just replace the brakes?. Could I have a wiring issue?
asked by: Ty
Expert Reply:
When this happens it's almost always a short between the stoplight circuit and the brake output circuit which then puts full 12 volts on the brakes when they are just barely touched. Easy way to test this is to apply the blinker on that side of the trailer and see if the brakes pulse with the blinker.
Only solution is to go over the wiring of the trailer and clean up any obvious shorts like cut or exposed wiring.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Does the Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller Turn Off or Stay On All the Time
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller On A 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
- Q&A: Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: How Does Brake Controller Install on Freightliner S2RV Chassis
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Add 7-Way & Brake Controller on 2023 Kia Sportage
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes