Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Malfunction When Connected To Ford F-150 With Towing Kit
Question:
My electric brakes worked correctly until I tried to tow it Sat. Right brake was locked up. I did get an error message on my truck saying I had a Electrical trailer connection fault. The brake was locked up tight. I pulled the brake drum and adjusted the brake shoes to a loosen them. I also cut the blue wire which was the power wire going to both set of brakes. I am assuming I might have a wire on the return wire to the connector that is causing a ground and will check that out today. can you suggest any other areas to check if that isnt the problem? Thanks
asked by: Will E
Expert Reply:
With a locked up drum on the right side and an error message, it sounds like you have a wiring short. You are somehow getting a constant voltage to your brakes on just that right side. I suggest using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test your wires. You have a closed circuit on your brakes that should be an open circuit. You need to trace the wires to find the source and replace wires as needed with # 10-1-1 or # 10-2-1.
I suggest testing your vehicle plug for function when unplugged first to confirm it is a trailer issue. It sounds very likely it is based on only one side misfuctioning, but I'd check it anyway.
I've attached some articles that may help.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
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