Why Would a Trailer 7-Way Lock Up Trailer Brakes When Connected to Tow Vehicle

Question

Question:

I HAVE A 2005 PATHFINDER , I INSTALLED WITH THE OEM PLUG, CURT TRIFLEX BRAKE CONTROLLER BUT WHEN I HOOK TO MY CAMPER THE BRAKES LOCK UP!!!!! HELP!!!! SUPPOSED TO LEAVE ON VACATION TOMORROW.. : IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE BLACK/BLUE WIRE BEING CROSSED LIKE THE OTHER FOLKS IN THE REVIEWS WERE TALKING ABOUT ? I HAVE LIMITED KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS SO DEPENDING ON YOU GUYS..LOL..

asked by: BRANT

0

Expert Reply:

Your problem is most likely that the 12v power wire and electric brake wire is switched on the vehicle tow package wiring. This is a common issue on your vehicle and we have a help article that covers this problem and how to resolve the issue.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

The reason your brakes are locking up when you use the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter, #47549, is because there are two ways that 6-way round trailer connectors can be wired, as you may have already discovered. The difference is the pin for the electric…

view full answer...

Answer 2

When we see this problem it's almost always with a 6-way trailer connector being used. The issue is that there are two ways that a 6-way is typically wired and the only difference is that the 12 volt accessory circuit and the brake output circuit…

view full answer...

Answer 3

There are a few things that can cause the brakes to lock up on a trailer. First, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Then use a circuit tester like #PTW2979 if needed to test the connector on the vehicle. Have someone sit in the truck and run…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I believe I know exactly what's happening. That 2 pin connector you speak of has its wires reversed. I've linked you to a help article that shows exactly how to fix the problem. You can remove the pins from the connector and swap them, or…

view full answer...

Answer 5

If your break away switch looks like #HM20010 then you should just have to push the pin back in. This will break the circuit and release the trailer brakes. If this does not work then there is some other wiring issue going on. You will need to remove…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The easiest first step here would be to try the trailer on a different truck, and see if the same problem occurs. If the trailer brakes are free until the trailer is plugged in, I suspect that something is mis wired. I would suggest examine the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I have a sneaking suspicion that your travel trailer might have a 6-way connector on it, but your truck has a 7-way, and you're using an adapter like part #47549. Am I on the right track? There are two accepted ways of wiring a 6-way trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

We don't have a separate article for the issue you described but I can give you all the info we have on it. The issue is that the electric brake signal wire and the 12V battery charge wire are reversed in the main vehicle harness. This is the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It sounds like the issue you are having with the trailer brakes locking up is unrelated to the breakaway switch on the trailer. If the brakes are locking up as soon as you connect to the tow vehicle, I first recommend testing the 7-Way connector on…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I checked your order notes and it looks like you ordered the #118266 for your 2014 Nissan Frontier. This is the correct 7-way, but I think what you said is true and somehow the brake output and the 12 volt accessory circuits got switched. To verify…

view full answer...

Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Why Would a Trailer 7-Way Lock Up Trailer Brakes When Connected to Tow Vehicle

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching