Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Magnets on 12 Inch Brake Assemblies
Question:
I am getting a ohms reading of 3.7 on my 12x2 inch dexter breaks do I need to replace the magnets
asked by: Herman L
Expert Reply:
Brake magnets for 12 inch brake assemblies should have an ohms reading that falls within the range of 3.0 to 3.8. The 3.7 ohms reading on your brake magnets does not indicate that the brake magnets need to be replaced.
If you are experiencing problems with your trailer brakes, then there are a few other tests that you can run to try and find the problem. First, with the tow vehicle connected to the trailer, connect a multimeter inline with the brake wire somewhere between the trailer connector and the trailer brakes. If your trailer only has 2 brakes, then the amps should read 7.5 to 8.2 at 12 volts. For 4 brakes, 15 to 16.3 amps and for 6 brakes, 22.6 to 24.5 amps. If your amperage reading is greater or less than the specified range for your brakes, then the magnets may need to be replaced.
The next test is to test the brake magnet individually. Testing individual brake magnets for proper function can be accomplished by severing the magnet wires and connecting the ammeter between the positive terminal of a 12 volt battery and one of the magnet wires, it does not matter which one, then connect the other magnet wire to the negative battery terminal. Each brake magnet should read 3.2 to 4.0 amps at 12 volts.
To test the magnet for a short, touch the base of the brake magnet to the negative post of a 12 volt battery. Then, connect one of the brake magnet wires to the negative lead of a multimeter, and the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive post of the battery. If any amperage is detected the magnet is shorted and will need to be replaced.
I have attached an article on testing brake magnets for you to check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Trailer Brake Magnet For Dexter 12-1/4 Brake Assembly, White Wire
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Brake Magnets
- 12-1/4 x 2-1/2 Inch
- Redline
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Shop: Trailer Brake Magnet For Dexter 12-1/4 Brake Assembly, White Wire
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet for Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes - Replacement Magnet - BP01-225
- Q&A: Do the Colors of Trailer Brake Magnets Mean Anything
- Q&A: Replacement Magnet Clip Recommendation for a Dexter Electric Brake Assembly
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Assembly that Keeps Breaking Magnet Clips
- Q&A: Left & Right 10,000 lb Self-Adjusting Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies
- Q&A: Dexter 10k Rated Brake Assembly Magnet Recomendation
- Q&A: Difference Between Dexter Brake Assemblies BP01-301 and BP01-365
- Shop: 12-1/4" x 3-3/8" Electric Brake Shoe/Lining RH
- Search Results: bp01~301
- Search Results: bp01~265
- Search Results: bp04~245
- Shop: Replacement Magnet Kit for 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Replacement Shoe and Lining Kit for Manual Adjusting 10" Electric Brake Assembly - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Curt EZr Double Lock Underbed Gooseneck Hitch Review
- Q&A: How Can I Ensure I am Getting the Maximum Braking Power from My Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Karrier ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Search Results: grease
- Search Results: stud
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Magnet Kit Replacement Review
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brakes AKBRKR-M12 Review
- Video: Redline Trailer Brakes BP01-265 Review
- Search Results: reese pucks