Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Having a Weak Activation and Activating When Using Turn Signals

Question:

I installed the self adjusting brake kit I bought from Etrailer , it went smooth and was surely needed . but I still have problems . The brakes will activate but are very weak and cant be adjusted to work properly even when depressing the slide it wont lock the wheels in gravel , also when I use my turn signal it activated the brakes and will not release until I get out of the truck and pull the plug out even though the turn signal was deactivated, you can hear brakes release when you pull the power plug . the truck is a 2004 chevy the trailer is 2004 big tex. , it worked fine for years as in the wiring and brake controller have not been changed to create this problem . the problem existed before the new brake and bearing kits were installed so theres nothing wrong there . Im thinking short in plug or the brake controller ?

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

I am Glad to hear that the installation of your Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA went smoothly!

From what you are describing, I believe that you are on the right track to finding your issue. Although I do not believe that the brake controller is the issue. Since this has worked fine for you for years, that means that the wiring is probably at least done correctly. Since this was present both before and after the brake change, I think you have damage to your wiring somewhere.

I would start by checking the 7-way at both your vehicle and your trailer. Make sure that they are clean of any corrosion and debris. You can then use a circuit tester like the Hook Probe Circuit Tester # PTW2993 to check the functions on your 7-way. I don't believe this is a ground issue, but you might as well rule out any easy fix and ensure that the grounds are still good.

You can also check the voltage at your trailer brakes. If you get a voltage that is low, then you most likely have a short somewhere between your brakes and the plug and will need to try and track down where that is it.

expert reply by: Scott S