Troubleshooting Malfunctioning Electric Trailer Jacks That Will Not Operate

Question:

Electric stabilizer jacks wont retract or extend the motor is working

asked by: Joanne

Expert Reply:

There are a few things that could be causing your electric jacks from malfunctioning.

First, on-board power could be the issue. Check the battery and connections to make sure that you are getting full power to operate the jacks. If you have a multimeter, like # PT89ZR, you can test the resting volts of your battery. The battery should read between 11 - 13 volts. If not charge the battery and then retest. Then have someone try to operate the jacks at the same time you are testing the volts. If the battery voltage drops significantly below 11 volts, then there maybe an issue with the battery.

If the battery checks out to be ok, then the wiring and switch will be the next to look over. Inspect the wiring from the battery to the switch to the jacks for any damage. Look for frayed, worn insulation or broken wires. Then check the switch. With another 12-volt power source, disconnect the switch wires and connect to the power source. If the jack begin to work, then the switch is most likely bad.

Finally, the jack motor will be the last unit to inspect. Where the power wire go into the jack, cut the wires, leaving a good 6 inches of wire from the motor, then connect the 12-volt power source. If the jacks do not move then most likely the motor on the jacks is bad and needs to be replaced.

expert reply by: Jared P