Reese Brake Controller Will No Longer Lock Up Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

A time delay brake controller such as # 5504 or similar can display changing numbers as it ramps up to the preset output setting. There are adjustments you can make on the controller to ramp it up faster or slower and also for more or less aggressive braking.

If making adjustments does not provide the performance needed, then you may also need to adjust the trailer brakes. To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies check out the video I attached, fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video.

If you continue to have problems, then there are some tests you can perform to see if the brake controller is the problem. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine, then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets, you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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