Brake Failure on a Trailer Behind a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

Hi, my 5th wheel trailer brakes have stopped working, no lights on the braking unit or brakes operating on the trailer. I’ve a 7 way connector in the pickup box as well as the standard one on the rear. The one in the box stopped working first but I was able to use the rear one of a while until it also stopped working, where should I start for this fault?

asked by: Martin

Expert Reply:

First thing to check is ground connections. Check to see if you can find the ground wires coming of the 7-Ways and see if they are grounded properly. If it is a factory harness, it could run all the way up to the battery so it may not be a problem.

The next thing I would check is the fuse block in the engine bay. Factory tow wiring will have some fuses or relays for the system. If it is just the brake function that has gone out on the 7-Way, it is probably the fuse or breaker that provides power to the brake controller. Check your vehicle owner manual to see where those fuse locations are. They may also be indicated on the fuse block or fuse block cover.

If you do not find a blown fuse or bad ground write back and we can go from there.

expert reply by: Patrick B