No Power To Trailer Brakes When Using Manual Slide Switch on Hayes Brake Controller
Question:
Should the slide switch operate a little when the brake pedal is pushed? I get 12 volts when I operate the switch but no trailer brakes. When I operate the truck brakes the red light comes on but very little voltage is seen at the trailer connector and the trailer brakes dont work. 2005 Dodge 4X4 diesel.
asked by: Norm
Expert Reply:
The brake controller should be getting 12 volts of power through the Black wire. You will want to use a multimeter like part # PT89ZR to test this wire for voltage. The Blue wire should have near 12 volts when the manual slide is activated. You will also want to make sure the gain on the brake controller is not set all the way down. If you are not getting power leaving the Blue wire, the brake controller may be bad and will need to be replaced.
I would begin by making sure you have the Red wire on the brake controller connected to the stoplight switch on the vehicle. The Red wire should be connected to the wire that only has signal when the brakes on the vehicle are activated.
If you are getting 12 volts on the Blue wire at the vehicle side trailer connector, the problem may be in the either the vehicle or trailer side connector or the trailer wiring.
Start by checking each connector for corrosion. If there is corrosion in the connectors, this could be causing the problem and not allowing power to get to the trailer brakes.
Next, you will want to inspect the wiring on the trailer and make sure there are not any frayed or cut wires. Also, each brake assembly on the trailer needs to be connected to a clean metal surface for a good ground.
Finally, you will want to pull the hub off the brakes, and inspect the brake magnets. If the magnets are worn to the point where the copper windings are visible, the magnets are bad and will need to be replaced. I have also linked an FAQ on testing brake magnets.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Hayes Syncronizer Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Hayes Syncronizer Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Time Delayed
- Q&A: Trailer Brakes Do Not Activate With Brake Pedal When Trailer is Sitting Still
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: etbc7
- Video: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Review
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Search Results: 90195
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Search Results: 90885
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring