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jornvango's avatar
jornvango
Explorer II
Jun 04, 2017

Brake buddy keeps blowing cigarette fuse

When we left Phoenix on Friday, we hooked up the Brake buddy in the tow vehicle. While pushing the test button as required on the Brake buddy, it died. Upon inspection the brake buddy cigarette plug was very hot and the car fuse had blown.

I replaced the car fuse (20 amp in a 2002 Wrangler) and tried again but the fuse blew again.

Would this be a Brake buddy issue and how to fix? Could it be related to the temperature? It was 105 F when we left Phoenix.

Thank you very much!

PS We have been using the Brake buddy in our Wrangler without an issue for the past 3 years.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    As soon as I bought my BB I promptly burned up the compressor because the cig lighter circuit could not provide sufficient current because the wires are too small. BB repaired my unit, then I built a dedicated outlet for the BB and have had no problems whatsoever.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    When I had a BB I called and they sent a direct battery connection at no charge. After a year I still found the BB cumbersome so I now use ReadyBrake. But anyway, call BrakeBuddy support, they were very helpful.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2017
    FYI: Brake Buddy Classic's are known for burning out their compressor motors, generally due to low voltage and high current draw. This can occur is the power source is questionable.
  • lryrob9301's avatar
    lryrob9301
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2017
    Under no circumstances should the Brake Buddy be blowing a 20 amp fuse, no matter how it's wired if it's the only thing on that circuit. You have an internal issue in the Brake Buddy that needs servicing. As suggested call them and get the unit repaired.
  • LadyRVer's avatar
    LadyRVer
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2017
    We always had our wired directly to the battery. BB will send you the wiring for free if you call them. Do you have another 12 volt plug you could use in the meantime? IMO, the gauge of wire to the lighter is not sufficient.

    I don't know why after 3 years this has started. You might call BB tomorrow, they have excellent customer service and might be able to walk you through the problem.

    Edited by Barb

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