Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When Vehicle Brakes Are Touched

Question:

Have a 02 Chevy Silverado just got hitched and wired to pull my trailer when I barely touch the brakes my trailer brake lock up adjusting the actuator in truck nothing changes what can I do thanks

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Sounds like one of the stop/turn signal circuits is shorting out to the brake output circuit which is causing 12 volts to apply to your trailer brakes when the brake lights illuminate. To narrow down which blinker circuit is at fault apply each of the blinkers and the brakes will start pulsating with the blinker that carries the circuit with the short.

You would need to go over the wiring on your truck and trailer to find the cut or exposed wire and fix as needed. Corrosion can also cause this problem too.

expert reply by: Jameson C