Titan Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working with Redarc Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If there is something wrong inside your Titan actuator then it has to be tested and repaired by the manufacturer. But the issue might not be a problem with the actuator itself. We can rule it out with some testing.

The first test for the Brakerite EHB is to pull the Breakaway switch cable to see if the unit starts and runs normally. If it does not run, disconnect the breakaway battery leads. Then apply the brakes in the tow vehicle or use the manual override on the in cab control to start the Brakerite. If it runs normally, the breakaway battery is either dead or has a low voltage level. The battery(s) should be charged at a moderate rate with a commercial charger or the battery(s) should be replaced. If the Brakerite did not run, then proceed with the three wire test below.

A 3 wire test is used to isolate the Brakerite unit along with a well charged 12 volt battery source. Using a battery charger only is not recommended – voltage spikes can damage the electronics. Disconnect the plug to the tow vehicle and the breakaway battery leads. There are color coded wires coming from the Brakerite that are about 18” long. Cut three wires, the black constant positive (+), the white system ground (-), and the blue wire which taes the in cab control output signal just before the first connection. Strip the insulation back a bit. Place the fully charged 12 v battery close enough to be able to touch battery posts.

In this order: touch the white wire to the negative post (-), then touch the black wire to the positive post (+). Nothing should happen yet. Then add the blue wire to the positive post (+). The Brakerite should immediately run full bore. If the Brakerite runs, a wiring issue is the most likely cause of the problem. If it does not run, there is a problem with the Brakerite. Contact the manufacturer for further instruction.

Voltage tests for the Brakerite EHB

Use a digital voltmeter to check the three color coded wires that go from the Brakerite to the tow vehicle, the black constant positive wire, the blue wire which takes the output signal from the in cab control, and the white or system ground wire.

First check voltage from the black wire + to the white wire - without applying the brakes. It should be the same voltage as the tow vehicle battery. Then apply the brakes and check the black wire voltage. It should not drop more than about one volt from the first test. If it drops below 10 volts, the Brakerite unit may click or will not start. Ground problems or other wiring related issues may be the cause.

If the black wire tests satisfactorily, then check the voltage on the blue wire output signal from the in cab control. Use the digital voltmeter to check between the blue wire and the white wire. Without brake application, there should be approximately ½ to ¾ volt present. Then have a helper apply the manual override on the in cab control. As the manual override is gradually increased from low to high gain, the voltage should increase proportionately from about 1.5 volts at the start to near battery voltage at maximum gain. If a constant zero voltage or 12 volts are present on the blue wire, there may be a problem with wiring or the in cab control.

expert reply by: Michael H

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