Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Apply When Right Blinker is Turned On
Question:
I have a 2000 chevy 3/4 ton and all of the sudden when I turn on the right turn signal it makes the trailer brakes surg on and of with the flashing of the signal only right signal left signal operates normal I have tried 2 different trailers and 2 different brake controllers same condition on all I unplugged the lite mate in the rear and the brake controller still flashes with the right turn signal this problem started this summer I have pulled same trailer with same setup for years then couple weeks ago this just started out of thr blue
asked by: Mark R
Expert Reply:
The problem is in your trailer connector on your 2000 Chevy Truck. The brake output circuit is somehow shorting out to the right turn/stop circuit and causing your trailer brakes to activate when your blinkers apply. I imagine that when you apply the brakes they no longer come on softly and now apply abruptly.
Chances are there is corrosion on the inside or outside of the connector, or there is exposed wires touching each other behind the connector.
I attached an FAQ on troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out as well.
