Troubleshooting Brake Controller Losing Connection with Running Lights Activated
Question:
Hello, Years ago I installed a Hopkins HM40125 on My 1995 F-150 regular cab\short bed\ 4x4, which did not have a factory flat 4. I recently purchased a small 2 horse trailer and purchased the P3, vehicle specific controller harness\pigtail and Hopkins 47185 from etrailer.com to control the single axle electric brakes on the trailer. I did find the factory plug under the dash for the controller but the Truck did not have the Blue trailer brake wire running to the rear, so I added that. I also have constant 12vs running from the battery side of the starter relay through a 20 amp circuit breaker to the rear of the truck and tied into the black wire of Hopkins 47185. I have the 47185 grounded to the hitch through an existing hole with a stainless bolt. The trailer lights and brakes work fine until I turn on the Trucks lights. Then the P3 loses connection and I lose lights on the trailer. Any suggestions?
asked by: Jason
Expert Reply:
It definitely sounds like there is a ground issue somewhere on your Ford F-150 or trailer. A weak ground will usually show itself when additional power draw is put on the system, such as in your case when activating the running lights on top of the signal lights and brake output signal.
I recommend making sure your ground connections on the trailer are secured to clean, bare metal surfaces. You can check the ground wires from the brake assemblies as well. You may want to try and move the ground wire on the Hopkins # 37185 to a clean portion of the truck's frame, and not the trailer hitch. This isn't the most ideal ground location, and it's possible that the hitch has a powder coat or accumulated dirt/rust that is preventing a solid connection.
If this does not resolve the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
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