Troubleshooting Brakes Always Engaged with Titan Electric-Over-Hydraulic Brake Actuator

Question:

Hello guys, I have a Karavan SLT 12,900 boat trailer used in a saltwater situation. I am having issues with the Titan electric over hydraulic system. It was an intermittent problem. At times after depressing the brake the unit will activate and continue to run after the brake has been released. Sometime it seems to work correctly, but today while taking the trailer to pick up the boat from slip I applied the brakes and trailer brakes locked up. The only way to keep going was to disconnect power to trailer. Boat and trailer are back home now but the unit will not turn off after the brake pedal has been applied. Where do I start to trouble shoot this unit. My tow vehicle is a 1999 Ford 250. Before acquiring this boat and trailer I had a Karavan trailer with a Titan unit that seemed to work fine with the same after market brake controller now on the Ford. Whats the problem Thanks Mark

asked by: Mark S

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to troubleshoot this problem I would start by inspecting the connector on your trailer and your vehicle. It is possible they need to be cleaned and some corrosion is allowing the power to move to the brake wire, which would explain why the brakes are permanently engaged.

If that does not fix it, I would recommend checking your 7-way at the back of the vehicle with a circuit tester like the # PTW2979. If you find that the pin for the brake controller has constant power then you know the problem is on the vehicle side. If that is not the case, you will need to check your trailer wiring and connections as well as the ground connections to make sure they are secure.

If it is on the vehicle side I would start by testing the connections on the brake controller. If you find that the brake controller is working as intended you can also check all of your ground connections and wiring for a short.

I have attached some helpful articles on troubleshooting wiring and brake controllers for your reference. If you are unable to locate the problem please reach out and I will help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Robin H