Forum Discussion

Explorer

Mar 08, 2016

Problem with trailer brakes

Today I hooked up to my trailer. I checked to see that my brakes were working. Nothing.
I pulled the emergency pin to see it that operated them. Nothinig. I don't believe my problem is from the truck to the trailer plug. I have a new battery in the trailer that should have activated the brakes when the emergency pin was pulled.. Where do I start my search for the problem? Bad ground?

23 Replies

newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2016
did you hook the NEW battery up right or backwatds and popped the arb or rpf
the_bear_II
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
Check for loose or broken wires at the brake drums. If the manufacturer used wire nuts to tie the wires together make sure there's no corrosion at each connection.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2016
Hold a compass down close to trailer brake drum ----lower area.....then have someone pull pin on emergency brake switch.

Does compass needle deflect towards drum
NO....then magnet is not being energized so wiring needs to be checked
YES...then magnet is being energized and brakes need adujstment