Trailer Brakes Do Not Seem to Engage with Brake Pedal Applied on 2000 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I have a 2000 chevy silverado and it pulls a 16ft trailer with 2 brakes. I have power back to the brakes I tested it with a test lite with the brake pedal pushed down. The brakes seems to be properly adjusted, I can barely turn the brake drum without the brakes applied. With the brakes applied the drum still turns as if no braking action is being done. With the pedAL APPLIED SHOULD THE DRUM TURN AT ALL? I replaced the brakes with the backing plate altogether I purchased from you because I thought the magnet was wore out but it continues to do the same thing. Any suggestions or thoughts.

asked by: Mike P

Helpful Expert Reply:

When testing the controller without the vehicle moving you will want to have someone use the manual override and not the brake pedal. Not all controllers will send power back with the pedal if the vehicle is still. You can do this in the cab by severing the blue wire a few inches back from the controller and then using a circuit tester to test the end coming out of the controller. It should show power when the manual override is on but not at any other time. If it shows power at any other time then the controller is bad and will need to be replaced.

Also make sure that the vehicle and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion and that the brake magnet grounds are attached to clean bare metal surfaces. The power wire leading to the magnets should not be frayed or exposed and touching metal.

With no power going back to the brakes you should be able to turn the drum and hear a constant but light dragging. It should not be difficult to turn the drum. If it is difficult then the brakes are adjusted to high and you will need to re-adjust them to get to the point where there is a light constant drag. I linked a video that should help.Go to about the 1:55 minute mark to get to the adjusting part of the video.

It is also possible that you will need to make additional connections under the hood to make the brake controller fully functional. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers this for you.

expert reply by: Michael H