Troubleshooting Dexter Brake Actuator K71-651 Keeping Brakes On

Question:

Today after pulling my trailer and park I smelt the brakes were pretty hot, checked it out and the little unit hydraulic unit was still running after Id parked apparently it had applied and never kicked off its keeping the brakes set. This is problem Ive had pulling the trailer or the unit since I bought it three years ago. The breakaway pin had not been pulled. I checked that and its in place. after I shut the pickup off the pump kept running, pulled the seven pin cord out and it stopped running then I plugged it back in it didnt run anymore

asked by: Paul M

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like there was bleed-over from one of your trailer connector pins to your brake output pin. This can happen with just a little corrosion, so it doesn't surprise me that you unplugged the trailer and plugged it back in and the issue didn't repeat with your actuator # K71-651.

I recommend using some sand paper to clean the connections on both the vehicle and trailer side and then use dielectric grease # 11755 to keep the connections clean in the future. If that doesn't solve your issue then you will need to use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 to determine how that brake output wire is getting constant power.

expert reply by: Jason S