Troubleshooting Voltage Drop on Brake Output Circuit When Brakes are Wired Up on Trailer

Question:

Just installed 4 new Dexter brake kits. No brakes! All new wiring 10 gauge, power and ground from plug to rear axles. Check for voltage @ backing plate, 9.4 to 13 volts depending on controller setting When I wire up magnet voltage s to 1.4 volts. This is at any wheel. Checked resistance at all magnets front axle left 2.8 ohms right 2.8 Left rear 3.2 right rear 3.4 ohms. Any ideas on what’s wrong?

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the ground of the assemblies isn't attached properly or to the correct location. Most of the time you can just run the ground wire of the assemblies to the trailer frame but if it's an aluminum frame trailer you may need to run a jumper wire from it back to the main ground of the trailer wiring harness.

expert reply by: Jameson C