Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Trailer is Connected to Tow Vehicle

Question:

Today was the 1st time Ive pulled my camper since I installed this hardware. I was not able to move my trailer as the brakes were activated. I had to unplug the trailer to move it. Evidently, there is a fault in my 2009 Frontier. I need some advice please.

asked by: Bill B

Expert Reply:

Sounds like to me you make have the red wire from your brake controller to the stoplight switch wired to the wrong connection.

Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993, probe the red wire and if you have power with the brake pedal not being pressed, then the connection is wrong. The red wire should be wired to the cold side of the stoplight switch and only have voltage when the brake pedal is being pressed.

I have attached a help article on installing a brake controller and a wire diagram that show the typical wiring connections on a brake controller.

expert reply by: Jared P