Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Output Connections to Electric Drum Brakes

Question:

I correctly wired a five wire connector to a 7 way plug and all lights and such work properly. However, initially, I had the blue, in my case black wire from the 5 way incorrectly hooked to the AX terminal of my 7 way plug which kept my brakes locked. I switched this to the EBinch terminal and the brakes did not lock and my controller lit up green. However, after properly adjusting the controller my trailer brakes still do not work. What is up?

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

Since you have now adjusted the wiring to be correct and have set up your brake controller, the next thing to check is the output at your trailer connector. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 at that 5 o'clock brake output pin. It should show the connection on the controller as it draws power on that pin and then as you use the manual override it will increase in brightness as you apply more output power.

If this is working, then you will want to connect your trailer and take it for a drive in a safe place like a parking lot or back road where you can test the controllers reactions. Any brake controller that isn't the older time delay style is proportional meaning it senses movement so it won't apply brakes when you are testing it sitting still with the exception of the manual override slide. If the brakes aren't responding as desired when testing while moving, then double check your ground connections and adjust the brake shoes using a spoon like # W80630 so that your brake shoes are properly aligned for function. You can test your brake wires on your trailer in the same way as you tested with the manual override to make sure you don' t have a short in the wiring as well.

expert reply by: Jason S