trailer brakes quit working, please help
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trailer brakes quit working, please help
I have an '01 Excursion V-10. I use a Reese Brakeman Digital brake controller for my 18' car hauler. The last time I towed this trailer everything worked fine. Today, after I hooked up to the trailer the controller will only show a (.) when the brakes are applied. It normally will ONLY show (.) if the trailer is not hooked up at all.
My question is how do I go about troubleshooting this and in what order? Also if it helps the trailer does have it's own battery in case the trailer disconnects from the truck while in tow. Thanks for the help in advance.
Jon
My question is how do I go about troubleshooting this and in what order? Also if it helps the trailer does have it's own battery in case the trailer disconnects from the truck while in tow. Thanks for the help in advance.
Jon
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
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From: West Cornwall, CT
The best way to troubleshoot trailer problems is to check the truck and the trailer independently.
Borrow a voltmeter and with the trailer disconnected from the truck, check each pin on the 7-pin connector for proper operation. Do the turn signals, running lights as well as the electric brake output. If everything checks out OK, go in to the trailer.
Use a spare 12 volt battery, connect the negative terminal to the trailer's ground connector in the 7-pin plug and then apply +12 volts to the trailer's running lights, turn signals and electric brake connector pins. If the electric brakes buzz, they are probably OK.
You will probably find that there is a poor connection between the truck's ground and trailer's ground. A corroded wire leading to the trailer's brakes is another likely possibility.
Lou Braun
Borrow a voltmeter and with the trailer disconnected from the truck, check each pin on the 7-pin connector for proper operation. Do the turn signals, running lights as well as the electric brake output. If everything checks out OK, go in to the trailer.
Use a spare 12 volt battery, connect the negative terminal to the trailer's ground connector in the 7-pin plug and then apply +12 volts to the trailer's running lights, turn signals and electric brake connector pins. If the electric brakes buzz, they are probably OK.
You will probably find that there is a poor connection between the truck's ground and trailer's ground. A corroded wire leading to the trailer's brakes is another likely possibility.
Lou Braun
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Ok, tried just what you said and I do not hear a buzz or anything out of the elec. brake circuit. Now, is there an area that is more prone to accidental cuts or would it be better to just get underneath it with a meter and probe every few feet until i do not pick up voltage? Thanks for the quick reply.
Jon
Jon
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You know, sometimes it's just that you need someone to kickstart your brain a little. I found the break in the ground wire right over the axle, guess it rubbed the axle long enough to rub in two. Problem solved, thanks Lou Braun!!!
Jon
Jon
