Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal.
Full Answer
How to troubleshoot electric trailer brakes?
In this article I will go over:
- How to check your brake controller.
- How to check your brakes with a multimeter and brakeforce meter.
- How to test your trailer’s plug.
- Some visuals of wear and tear.
- The common reasons for shorts.
Why are my trailer brakes not working?
Can Smart Trailers Improve Driver Retention?
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Why is my trailer brake controller not working?
Possible Issues
- Ground wire was not connected to negative battery terminal, ground area does not have solid connection to ground.
- Adapter wiring does not match OEM connector on vehicle.
- Ground connection to negative battery terminal is loose.
- Ground wire has been damaged and exposed wiring is touching a metal area.
How to repack trailer bearings with electric brakes?
Visit Adventure Rig here: http://adventurerig.comWATCH in HD!A complete run-through of how to repack wheel bearings on a trailer. Basic trailer maintenance e...
Why do my electric trailer brakes not work?
Low or No Voltage This is the most common problem in an electric trailer brake controller. Some causes of low voltage are open circuits, poor electrical connections, broken wires, blown fuses, and faulty resistors.
How do you service electric drum brakes?
LOOSEN THE WHEEL NUTS & JACK UP THE VAN. Start off by loosening the wheel nuts. ... REMOVE THE WHEELS. Pop them under the van so you don't trip over them.TAKE OFF THE BRAKE DRUM. ... CHECK THE DRUMS FOR SCORING. ... INSPECT THE BRAKE LININGS. ... CHECK THE WIRING. ... REPAIR THE WIRING IF DAMAGED. ... ADJUST THE BRAKES.More items...•
How do I fix my trailer brakes?
0:073:56How to replace your electric brakes on a trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just an impact wrench will get it out and then you have to remove these lock nut washers. NowMoreAnd just an impact wrench will get it out and then you have to remove these lock nut washers. Now you can remove the old brakes. And there are two wires attached.
How do you unstick electric trailer brakes?
1:393:55Easy 5 min fix seized trailer drum brakes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I actually add to move the toggle downwards. In order to go counterclockwise. In order to loosenMoreSo I actually add to move the toggle downwards. In order to go counterclockwise. In order to loosen the brakes. And that's the way it works so for the other side it should be opposite as well.
How do you check electric trailer brakes?
You can indeed test a trailer's electric drum brakes by directly applying +12V power from a fully-charged battery. You can apply this power to the hot and ground contacts on the trailer's plug (see photo please) or to an individual brake assembly's two wires.
How do you lubricate electric trailer brakes?
You cannot get any grease on the pads or on the inside of the drum because that will have a negative impact on brake performance. The magnet arm and the shoes pivot at a single point each. You can use just some wheel bearing grease such as # L11380 at those locations.
How do you find a short in electric trailer brakes?
Look for a pinched wire, or cracked or worn wire insulation that would allow the copper conductor to intermittently contact the trailer frame and create a short. You will also need to pull the hubs to examine the brake magnet wiring inside the brake assembly, once again looking for cracked or worn wire insulation.
How long do electric trailer brakes last?
I suggest no more than 12 months or 12,000 miles between changing brake parts that can wear.
How do you know if your trailer brakes are bad?
After a trip, or, once per year is wise. Even if the brakes have had little use, load and weight may cause uneven wear on your braking system. Some obvious signs that your brakes are in need of replacement include noise, pulling, pulsing and pedal depression during braking.
Why are my trailer brakes dragging?
There are a few things that could cause one side of your brakes to drag after adjusting. This could be either a broken spring, faulty adjuster screw, or possibly a pinched wire on that side but you would hear the magnets buzzing if this was the case. I would first pull off the drum and inspect the springs.
What causes trailer air brakes to lock up?
The most common causes are incorrect or malfunctioning relay valves. Quick-release valves also can have characteristics that upset pressure balance. Other causes include air leaks, air system contamination, a front-axle-limiting valve and excessive use of the trolley valve.
How do you fix a locked up brake?
Take your foot off the brake pedal so your wheels can get enough traction to possibly unlock momentarily. Then reapply pressure to the brake if needed. Repeatedly (and quickly) press the brakes over and over until the brakes either disengage or bring you to a safe stop.
How do you service electric brakes on a caravan?
0:5218:23COMPREHENSIVE CARAVAN SERVICE! 10,000km ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd for the brakes that way we can ascertain if there's a problem before we start next stages weMoreAnd for the brakes that way we can ascertain if there's a problem before we start next stages we remove the wheels inspect the tires remove the hubs. And begin cleaning and checking the bearings.
When should you replace electric trailer brakes?
As a general rule of thumb, you want to replace your trailer brakes once every 12 months. It's smart to get ahead of any problems before you have them. Begin by locating your current trailer's brakes. You should be able to see them by setting the trailer on a jack and removing the wheels.
How often should Caravan brakes be replaced?
If in doubt, CHANGE THEM. The recommended checking period is every 6 months or 20,000kms. If the customer is a bit lax and there might be an extended time period before the car might be seen by a service technician, always make a judgement call on the side of safety and replace the pads.
How do you adjust drum brakes on a caravan?
1:204:01Maintenance: Adjusting Brake Shoes - MDC Masterclass #60 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd by levering. You can turn the barrel. And either adjust up or down on the brakes.MoreAnd by levering. You can turn the barrel. And either adjust up or down on the brakes.
What is wrong with RV brakes?
For instance, as far as electrical issues, the problem could lie in the connection between your brakes and the controller in your tow vehicle.
What is glazing brakes?
This process, called glazing, is the smoothing of pads due to excessive heat. You can either sand them up to regain grip or have them replaced if they’re too far gone.
What is a comprehensive inspection?
A comprehensive inspection includes the wheels, tires, and brakes. Although you should already be checking the status of your trailer’s brakes on a regular basis, you might notice one of many issues between inspections. Dave has several suggestions to solve the problems you could encounter with your electric RV brakes.
