Trailer brake not working
The built in trailer brake on my truck is not working.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. If the trailer brake system is not working, then it may be a blown fuse or it can be a trailer plug problem. This truck has a history of the terminals in the plug breaking and causing similar issues. As a mechanic, I would check the fuse first for the trailer brake. If it is blown, then it should be replaced and checked to see if it happens again when the trailer is hooked up. If it is, then the trailer is causing the fuse to blow. The best way to diagnose this further is with a voltage meter to see if there are intermittent connections at the trailer plug. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the electrical components and repair any damaged parts.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Check the wires on the trailer brake magnets. Each magnet should have two wires: one for power, and one for ground. Make sure that the ground wire is attached to a clean metal area without any paint or corrosion. The power wire should be intact and have a solid connection to the electric brake signal wire.
The power distribution center, which is either located behind the hood or under the dashboard, is where you`ll find the brake light system fuse, as well as all other fuses.
Check the brake circuit wire all the way from the plug to the brakes, inspecting the insulation for any signs of wear or cracks that could be causing a short. Repair or replace any damaged wire. If no signs of a short are found, then you can check the brake magnets themselves.
On a RAM HD truck, the Electronic Trailer Brake Controller is located to the bottom-left of your in-dash touchscreen. It gives you two options for how to engage the brakes: You can set the brake gain automatically using the “+” and “-” buttons, and the gain level will display on the screen.
How to Reset a Breakaway System After Pulled Pin If you have electric brakes then the only thing you will need to do to reset a breakaway system would be to place the pin back into the switch. This will then release the brakes and allow the trailer to roll freely.
Like all fuses, the brake light system fuse can be found in the power distribution center, which is under the dashboard or tucked away underneath the hood. Never heard of the power distribution center? It`s just the technical name for a fuse box.
The fifth wire will typically be tapped into your vehicle brake light to ensure that when you activate your vehicle brakes, the trailer brake lights also light up. The wire is also tapped into the backup lights to trigger the disengagement of the trailer`s braking system.
Use a circuit tester, and check the red wire that exits the rear of the controller. This wire should only go hot when the brake pedal is pressed. If this checks out ok, then the controller is bad and must be replaced.
Use a circuit tester, and check the red wire that exits the rear of the controller. This wire should only go hot when the brake pedal is pressed. If this checks out ok, then the controller is bad and must be replaced.
It`s likely that you have an intermittent connection somewhere in the wiring harness going from the brake controller back to the brakes at the trailer`s wheels. The most likely spots are inside the connector plugs, or any place that wires flex (such as the wires in the trailer cord) as the rig goes down the road.
view full answer… Troubleshooting Green Light on Brake Controller Stays on Without Braking Normally having a green light on your brake controller means you have a connection to your trailer. This is an indication of a power draw on your brake output wire that happens when a trailer is connected.
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EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : Trailer brake not working
When I put my foot on the brake my back left brake light goes off, when I take it off the brake the brake light comes on
ANSWER : I would suggest trying to disconnect and reconnect the wiring to the rear lights. I have seen these older Toyota vehicles rear lighting short out on the lights themselves due to the way the light circuit was made on the lamp housing. Look at the housing circuit on the light to see if one is touching another, and that could tell you why it is malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the brake light switch. If you are not comfortable dealing with wires, I recommend getting in touch with a certified mechanic who can look at your brake light issue for you to see what’s going on.
Read Full Q/A … : Trailer brake not working
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Trailer brake not working
Brake lights are not working. replaced brake light swtch still no brake lights. the third brake light the connection was melted at
ANSWER : The first thing to do is to repair third brake light and replace the brake light fuse and then see if the third brake lights work and the lower lights start working? If only the 3rd brake light starts working then you may need a further checks on the turn signal flasher or switch could be bad.
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Supportive bar attached to brake pedal interrupts proper braking process
ANSWER : It’s possible to have someone alter the brake pedal or adapt a brake pedal from a different vehicle. You may call around to some customization shops to see if anyone is interested in taking on the project. But first, I would try reaching out to the selling dealer with your concern – especially since it is a new model. Good luck.
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I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Trailer brake not working
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
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Brake lights on trunk not working
ANSWER : For some reason, when consulting the wiring diagram, I don’t see a trunk mounted brake light listed. I only see the high mount (one in the rear window) listed. Regardless, if the trunk bulb is not working with a new bulb, there is a problem with the circuit. Check for both power and ground at the bulb. Once you’ve determined which is lacking, you’ll have to trace the circuit to determine where the problem lies. Since you said all of the other brake lights work, the cruise control is likely unrelated. Electrical diagnosis can be difficult, so I suggest you have a trained professional tackle the problem with your brake lights for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Trailer brake not working
