Trailer Lights & Brakes Are Not Working

Question:

My problem started with all of the trailer lights not workingboth turn/brake and running lights at the same time. Now the electric brakes are not working. Could this be due to the breakaway battery/controller being old and possibly shorting out?

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

It isn't the breakaway battery as that doesn't factor into the power of any of your lights or your electric brakes. The issue is either with the wiring itself or your 7-way trailer connector. So start by checking out the wiring, specifically the grounds, on your trailer to see if there is any damaged wiring, and that your ground are connected to clean, bare metal surfaces.

If that is fine, it is almost certainly the 7-way connector being damaged or corroded and you will need to replace it with one of the appropriate length for you:

- 4 Foot: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20043

- 6 Foot: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20044

- 8 Foot: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20046

- 11 Foot: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # HM20048