Forum Discussion

mhalllv1959's avatar
mhalllv1959
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017

Jacks won't go down

After having a brake controller installed on our 2001 Holiday Rambler Admiral the jacks retracted as soon as we turned the ignition key to test the brake lights and turn signals on the car dolly. On this model you have to have the emergency brake and brake peddle pressed before the jacks will work. The mechanic has spent hours trying to figure out what happened. It seems to me that we have reverse polarity going on since the jacks retracted when I pressed the brake peddle instead of activating the panel to bring them down. Now the panel will not turn on even though there is power to it. Does any one have any ideas on what could be going on and how to fix?
Class A
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Apr 15, 2017
    Since it now quit, I'd say you've blown a fuse, so I'd start there. Before replacing the blown fuse, remove the new install and start over. Obviously your 'mechanic' needs to restudy the wiring in your coach....Dennis
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 15, 2017
    1. I have NEVER seen a jack system that requires you to push the BRAKE pedal to operate the jacks. Emergency Brake pedal,YES. I have worked on all brands of Jacks and NONE have you push the Brake Pedal. IF yours is wired this way, you either had it installed wrong or you have some type of way OFF aftermarket jack system.
    2. The Brake controller is designed to be on the COLD side of the Brake Pedal switch. So it only activates when you use the Brakes.
    3. It appears you may have Powergear Jacks as they are designed to retract if the key is ON and it does NOT see the emergency brake signal. So, at this point you need to verify the Mechanic did not tap into the emergency brake system wiring instead of the Brake system wiring.
    4. Do you have Roadmaster or Freightliner chassis? Please let us know. I ALWAYS use the REAR Brake lights as my feed for a brake controller. I never attempt to tap into the Dash or air valve switch for the control signal. Just to prevent problems like this. Doug

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