Why Do My Trailer Brakes Work with the Manual Override But Not the Brake Pedal

Question:

I have a 2015 Chevy 3500 HD and have a question about trailer brakes...When the trailer is hooked up and I push the foot pedal nothing happens to the brakes...the tires keep spinning...but if I use the manual control the brakes engage...does the pickup and trailer have to be in motion in order for the pedal brakes to actually engage the trailer brakes?

asked by: Liz

Expert Reply:

If you are using a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 which operates off of inertia from the tow vehicle then yes, the vehicle does have to be in motion for the trailer brakes to engage enough to stop the wheels from spinning. Therefore, it does not sound like you have an issue as proportional brake controllers are very popular and most likely what you have.

If the trailer brakes still don't work while in motion then check the CHMSL fuse in your fuse box.

expert reply by: Conner L