Troubleshooting Brake Controller Working When In Reverse But Power Interruption Moving Forward

Question

Question:

Brake controller works in reverse but power interruption going forward?

asked by: Chris

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your wires are connected wrong. You most likely have your 12V power connected to your reverse light function which is why it is getting proper power in reverse, but is losing power when you shift to drive. I recommend using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to determine the correct wire for 12V constant power to your controller and connecting the black wire of your brake controller wiring harness to that wire.

I've attached a couple of articles to help you with the installation.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Answer 1

It sounds like you might have tapped into the wrong wire beneath the brake pedal in your Pontiac Montana SV6. The red wire from the brake controller needs to be spliced into the cold side of the brake light switch on the vehicle, which is a wire that…

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Answer 2

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 3

It is possible you need new brakes, but not necessarily. The brakes locking up when in reverse is usually because the brakes have recently been installed and they were installed backwards. Brakes are specific to either the left or right side. If…

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Answer 4

When there is bizarre trailer brake behavior the first place to check is the trailer connectors for corrosion. Check out the trailer connector on your tow vehicle for corrosion and clean as necessary. Electric trailer brakes aren't really…

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Answer 5

In this senario, I would run a wire from the center pin of the 7-way to the reverse light circuit on your truck. This will enable you to bypass the fuse. Because of this direct connection you should be able to back up without your trailer brakes…

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Answer 6

Are you certain that you have the 6-way connector, like part #PK12720 with the 6 round pins? Or do you have the 7-way connector like part #PK11893 that features 6 blade-type pins with one connector in the center? The two can sometimes be confused.…

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Answer 7

Yes, you should be concerned about your trailer brakes being connected on just one side, but before you reach out to a dealership let's double check first. Electric brakes, like the Dexter Axle #23-180-181, use magnets so when the brakes are…

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Answer 8

You may have switched the left and right sides by accident when you installed the new brakes. this would not change how the magnets power up but for trailer brake assemblies there is a left and a right and switch them can negatively affect braking.…

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Answer 9

One wheel locking up on your trailers brakes could be for a few reason. Most likely it's due to a brake assembly that is out of adjustment. You want to adjust the assemblies so there is only a light drag on them when they are turned by hand.…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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