Troubleshooting Brake Controller Stops Working When Brake Magnets Touch Drum
Question:
Trailer brakes stopped working, i checked over every wire i could see and found nothing. i did find a bad magnet, replaced that and they worked/had green light on the dash everything was working. The second the magnet touchs the drum the light turns red and it says check trailer but if i Energize the brakes manually they work, but still says check trailer and wont Energize on there own. I know its not the controler because i have 2 other trailers and they work fine. Any idea on what it could be?
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
Sounds like you might have a short to your trailer frame. You might use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test to see if there is voltage on the frame of the trailer due to a short by putting the positive probe on the frame and the ground probe to the ground pin of the trailer wiring on your truck. If you find that your frame is energized this would explain why the magnets touching the drums is causing an issue on your controller.
This scenario would be caused most likely by the 12 volt circuit of the trailer wiring shorting out to the frame via exposed or cut wire.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement Dexter Brake Assemblies for 36-19 Assemblies
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Replacement Dexter Trailer Brake Kit To Replace Dexter 36-19 Brake Assemblies
- Q&A: Replacement Hub and Brake Assemblies that Fit Sure Trac 3,500 lb Axle
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Q&A: Recommended Wet Bolt For Center Hole Of The CRE 3000 Equalizer
- Q&A: Replacement Bolt and Nut for MORryde Wet Bolt Kit part # MR46ZR
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for a Lippert LCI 126003 Hub
- Q&A: How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class