Electric Brakes not working

[jmelies]

I know the truck wiring is okay, I tested it all the way to the 6 prong connector. I have a 1995 Heritage trailer with electric brakes that don't work, I'm not even sure where to start trouble shooting. I did pull the battery and will get it checked out today, I think it's DOA, could that be the cause?

 

[JB]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

If your battery was the cause you couldn't start the vehicle.<br /><br />What did you test? Does the controller put out a DC voltage when the brake lights are on? What is it putting on the connector? Is it variable?<br /><br />What happens if you apply +12V to the trailer harness?<br /><br />Did the brakes work in the past?

 

[jmelies]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

I just purchased the boat, so I have no history of the trailer. <br />I drive an 03 Chevy Silverado, after I installed the controller I tested the blue wire at the 6-pin connector and had power, since it was just me I couldn't test to see if it was variable but assumed it would have been.<br /><br />The BATTERY I was talking about is on the trailer not my truck, so yes my truck starts fine, the battery on the trailer is dead, would that cause the trailer brakes not to work or is that only for the safety disconnect if it ever came disconnected from the tow vehicle?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

The trailer battery is a safety device to actuate the brakes should a hitch failure occur. Since they never get used, they simply die for lack of use. No that would not have an effect on operation. Using a battery charger, connect the negative clip to a good chassis ground on the trailer. Put a nail in the positive clip and touch it to the brake wire. If you hear the brakes actuate, there is a connector problem. If not, check the main brake feed to each wheel. Bet the ground or feed wire is broken somewhere along the line.

 

[jmelies]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

Great, Thank you for the advice Upinsmoke, never thought about using a charger.

 

[tommays]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

also the trailer battery should charge from the car connection when its pluged in on most systems<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

Whether or not the trailer battery gets charged from the tow vehicle is questionable. Unless an isolator is used, starting the tow vehicle could pull too much current through the harness and fry it. Most of these systems I've seen have a simple lanyard switch that supplies full 12V to the brakes when actuated. With that switch in its normally open position no current reaches the battery.

 

[tommays]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

? my old trailer allways had one keeps the battery from going dead when you really need it<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

I don't remember what year GM did it but they changed the convenience connector for installing a brake controller. Unless you bought the truck new do not count on the connector being right. If you bought it used and asked for the convenience connector, the salesman scammed it from another truck, maybe an older truck, betting that the buyer of that truck wouldn't know/care if it was missing. <br />If you are by yourself either block the brake pedal with a stick, snowbrush, or other rod, adjust the "Level" control on the Brake controller and test the output. Also, check the fuses under the hood. They are probably marked Stud #1, and Stud #2, or something similar. Pull one or the other and test again, one should kill the output to the "Brake" contact. If all tests out with the truck check the Ground for the BRAKES on the trailer. Just because the lights work does not mean the brakes have a good solid ground. Also check continuity through the brake circuit on the trailer at the plug, from the plug to the brakes units, etc. If the circuit is open there's your problem. If you pierce the wiring insulation remember to SEAL the wire!

 

[boater4life]

Re: Electric Brakes not working

Sometimes the motor will hang-up. Try tapping the actuator and then apply the brakes to see if you can hear it engage. I have already had to get the motor rebuilt on mine with only 800 miles on it.