Will Built-In Charger in Tekonsha Breakaway System Over Charge the Battery

Question:

98 ranger, w 7 pin electric brakes New kit just installed everything seems to work, Will charger sense when charged and stop? It seems a little hot so I opened lid and case been on 1/2 hr and still yellow? Voltage is 13.8 as being charged

asked by: Ernie

Expert Reply:

The Breakaway Kit with Premium Integrated Charger # 50-85-313 should not overcharge the battery in the system. It will go into a maintenance mode to maintain the optimum charge after the battery is fully charged.

A battery being charged will get hot depending on how much it needs to be charged. It is best to charge the battery while towing or while the vehicle is running so the maximum amperage is being pushed back. This will reduce the time it takes to charge the battery.

Charging even a small battery like the ones in a breakaway system can take some time depending on the charge level of the battery so a half hour is not surprising. If you disconnect the trailer connector from the tow vehicle and then test the voltage it should be different than with the trailer connected.

The green light should only come one once the output has reached 12.8 volts or higher. Unplug the trailer and then push the test button.

If there is a short in the wiring somewhere or a corroded ground that can also draw power and cause the unit to think the battery needs to be charged. You will want to check all the wiring from the trailer side connector back to the brakes and look for frayed wires and corrosion and fix/clean as needed.

expert reply by: Michael H