Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes not Working
Question:
I dont have trailer brakes. I have power and signal from the brake controller to the trailer plug. But, cant feel the brake or hear the magnets engage. Dont see any cuts on the trailer bake wires? Could it be bad magnets? Pads are to low? My controller keeps saying not connected. Its a Prodigy 2 controller on a triple axle trailer. Thanks for any help you can give me
asked by: Mike B
Expert Reply:
Since your trailer brakes are not working, it could be the magnets like you are saying, but if the controller is giving you an error code that says not connected there are a number of other possibilities and I'll go over the best way to try and find the problem.
You will need to find out if the issue is on the brake controller, truck, or trailer. To test the brake controller, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use circuit tester # PTW2979 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override; if it shows power at idle then there is an issue with the controller and it will need to be replaced.
If the controller tests fine, reconnect the blue wire and move on to the truck side trailer connector. Often, corrosion or dirt may be the cause of a short in a trailer connector. Check the plug to see if there is any type of corrosion built up that may be hampering its functionality.
You will also want to test the brake output pin on the 7-way socket; it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to find.
If the truck side checks out then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or possibly the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for wires that may be pinched or otherwise damaged and fix as necessary. You'll also need to make sure the ground wires are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.
You'll want to visually inspect the magnets; if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To test the magnets use Multimeter # PT89ZR and follow the help article I have linked to guide you.
I have also attached some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out which I strongly recommend reading.
Products Referenced in This Question
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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