Should Breakaway Switch Activate Brake Magnets When Pin Is Pulled
Question:
When l hook up and pull break away switch it should activate brake magnets right or wrong?
asked by: Richard T
Expert Reply:
Yes, the brake magnets should engage when pulling a properly wired breakaway switch pin. If the brakes aren't locking up on your trailer when pulling the pin then I recommend making sure the power source (battery) for the switch is fully charged and that everything is properly connected. When testing the switch I don't recommend having the trailer hooked up to the tow vehicle just so you can avoid any potential damage to the brake controller or wiring on the vehicle.
I have attached a wiring diagram to assist.
As long as the trailer brakes are working like normal while towing then the issue has to be with the breakaway switch itself or its wiring. If you find that you need a replacement the Tekonsha # 420000 will work great.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Tekonsha Trailer Breakaway Switch
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Switches
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Which Wire on Trailer Brake Magnet is the Positive and Ground
- Q&A: How to Wire Electric Brakes on a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Replacement Tekonsha Trailer Breakaway Switch
- Shop: Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Shop: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with 0.5-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery
- Q&A: Do Electric Brakes Need to Share Ground Wire?
- Q&A: Where Do Each of the Wires of the Tekonsha Breakaway System part # 50-85-313 Run
- Q&A: Passenger Side of Trailer Brakes Work But Drivers Side Does Not
- Q&A: One Side of Trailer Brakes Work But Other Side Does Not But Uses Same Wire
- Video: Performance Tool Hook Probe Circuit Tester Review
- Video: Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit - Kit with Charger - 20400 Review
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wire Functions By Wire Color
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: break away system
- Video: Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt LED 4-Way Flat Connector (Vehicle End) Tester
- Search Results: breakaway switch
- Shop: Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load
- Search Results: junction box
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
on Accessories and Parts
