Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Voltage and Trailer Brake Controller Voltage
Question:
When checking voltage on my brake pin at the trailer connector, I get 13v when I engage the manual override on the TBC. I only get 5-6v when I press the brake pedal. Is the TBC bad? I have a double axle 5th wheel. I get 13 volts at the first tire and it gets down to about 11.5v on the last tire. Should that be enough to fully engage that brake or should I have the same voltage at all wheels?
asked by: Gaylon H
Expert Reply:
The voltage you receive from your brake controller when you hit the brake pedal is adjustable so you may simply need to change the gain. You also want to consider if you have a proportional brake controller that the internal sensor won't be functioning when at a stop and testing them. Because you are getting 13 volts when using the manual override, the brake controller sounds like it is working.
A drop from 13 volts to 11.5 volts is not troublesome but it is interesting. The voltage at 11.5 should still be able to completely activate your brakes and there will be a slight drop between axles. The drop could be caused by a weak ground connection, brake magnets beginning to go bad, or a difference in the wire gauge used between the assemblies.
I've attached an article to assist with testing your brake magnets to assist and you will need a multimeter like # PT89ZR for these tests. For your ground connections, simply make sure they are bare metal to metal and free of corrosion and debris.
Products Referenced in This Question
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for 4 Bolt or 5 Bolt Flange - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
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