Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When Headlights Get Turned On

Question

Question:

When I turn my headlights on my brake controller light goes off and the brakes set up on my trailer. Its on a 2001 chevrolet 1500

asked by: DJ D

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like the running light circuit of your trailer wiring is shorting out to your brake output circuit. This would explain why the brake apply every time your headlights come on. What I would do is first check out the trailer connector on your 2001 Chevy 1500. Check to see if there is any corrosion on the inside or back of the connector. Also check for any bent pins inside the connector or exposed wire leading to the connector.

Next, you will want to repeat this process on the trailer's connector. Somewhere the two circuits are shorting out to each other so if you can't find it there you will need to inspect the wiring of the trailer further.

I attached an FAQ on trailer wiring for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

It sounds like you wired the brakes into the combined stop/turn signal circuit on the trailer. Trailers use what is called a combined system meaning that the brake lights and turn signals are on the same tire. So when you are using the turn signal…

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Answer 2

This indicates a problem with the red wire. There are several wires that can carry the brake light signal, but only one that is a brake light only wire. the red wire should be plugged in right next to the white wire and above the black wire like in…

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Answer 3

This isn't the first time I've heard of this type of issue. It sounds like the functions of your trailer wiring are not synced with your truck. Because you have used two trucks, the issue appears to be with the trailer. I've attached a…

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Answer 4

To answer your first question, there isn't a traditional "adapter" to allow the 7 way on your trailer to plug into a 4 way connector on your vehicle- at least not in the manner that you're thinking of. For that reason you would…

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Answer 5

You would know to replace brake shoes the same way you would know with a vehicle. If performance is suffering and adjusting the brakes does not help and there are no other issues causing the poor performance it is probably time to change the brake…

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Answer 6

Since you have checked out your trailer's hydraulic lines and confirmed the brakes are in good shape, the cause for the heat in your one drum could come from something else. If only one of your drums gets hot when you tow it could be that…

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Answer 7

There are several potential causes for your issue. You could have a corrosion problem in either the vehicle trailer socket or the trailer plug. Because of the many circuits in a 7-way connector it is possible for corrosion, dirt or moisture to bridge…

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Answer 8

I have a suspicion about what might be causing the problem you mention. Do your trucks have 6-way trailer connectors? Or, do the trucks have 7-way connectors, but you are using a 6-way to 7-way adapters because the trailers use 6-way connectors?…

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Answer 9

It sounds like you have the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller #TK90160 along with the custom wiring harness #3040-P on your 2008 Toyota Tundra. If this is the case, then I recommend using a circuit tester like #PTW2993 to test the wires in…

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Answer 10

Although there is no specific measurement for that space between the bearing and grease seal, when installing the seal you will only insert it enough so that it is flush with the hub. This is the same case if you are installing the Bearing Kit…

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Answer 11

The attachment bolts for a 5-bolt brake assembly like the part #AKEBRK-6R should be torqued to 30-50 foot/lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench handy, if you tighten the bolts until the lock washers flatten out, you'll be pretty darn close…

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Answer 12

According to Dexter Axle, the attachment bolts for a 12 x 2 brake assembly should be torqued to 25-50 foot/lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench handy, if you tighten the bolts until the lock washers flatten out, you'll be pretty darn close…

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Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When Headlights Get Turned On

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