Do Both Pigtail Leads on Reverse Lockout Solenoid Have to Be Connected

Question:

There are two wires on this silonoid. Is one for power and one for a ground? I was reading another QandA about this and it mentioned the silonoid was self grounded? Im having some issues with it. I bought the whole tandem trailer 3500# disc brake conversion kit with actuator a year ago and it never really felt like the brakes were free in reverse. But now when backing up, in some instances the brakes are fully engaging. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Russell R

Expert Reply:

An electric reverse lockout solenoid like # T4748800 from Titan and # DM11993 from Demco does have two pigtail leads. These leads are non-polarized, so either wire can be used as ground or hot. We are not familiar with any single-wire self-grounding solenoids similar to these units.

If there is not a strong enough ground to let full reverse light signal voltage reach the solenoid, then it is possible that it could engage only partially. This would explain why the brakes could still be engaging when you try to back up.

expert reply by: Adam R