Brake controller question

[Steve_B_]

I'm having a memory lapse with this question. I had problems last summer with not having the brakes on my trailer working, but lights are ok. I had both the trailer and vehicle in and it took a while but everything was working when I left. Next time I hooked up, two weeks later, no brakes. Did two trips that way. Took vehicle back, they said it was fine, needed trailer too. Never got back in but when I hooked up the trailer to put it in storage, I had brakes again. I would say a loose connection somewhere? My question is: I've noticed that I'm getting a readout on the controller now, as if the trailer was hooked up. I believe that usually without the trailer there is no readout on the controller. Which is correct? Am I nuts that without the trailer, there usually isn't a readout? If so, that would indicate to me that it's a problem on the vehicle connection (readout w/o trailer), not the trailer. I could get it checked now, if so.

[Joe417]

As you said, you probably have a loose connection somewhere. Your going to have to follow the wire back. With someone watching the controller, start shaking the wiring along its length till the problem appears, hopefully.

You didn't say what controller you have nor what read out you were getting. A wild guess since you have a written message is a Tekonsha P3.

Here's a demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaPhtlBNVJU

Says is should display "No trailer connected" if it's not plugged in.

As BoxerLover said, I've also found brake problems at the 7 pin connector a couple of times.

Also had them once when we acquired a new puppy. He also chewed the overflow line on the fresh water tank.

[Boxer_Lovers]

Check the brass connector tabs on the 7 pin plug. I had one bent back and the brake controller wouldn't send enough power to provide any braking even though you could hear the trailer brakes activate.

A ball point pin pushed it back in alignment and all is well.

[RoyB]

My 2010 Ford setup tells me on the Console information panel that the Brake Controller is not connected. I suppose it makes a small DC current measurement to determine this...

I also can determine if the brake magnets are activated by using a simple boy scout compass up close to the wheel. It will deflect the compass needle...

My fifth wheel setup make a low pitched tone noise if you listen real close to the wheel with the Brake Magnet engaged...

A real test would be using a DC Current clamp on meter around the brake magnet wire as each Brake Magnet should draw 3AMPs DC current for each wheel when engaged with the slider switch (Full 12VDC)... That will be 6AMPs for one axle or 12AMPs for dual axles...

Everyone you talk with says be sure to check the wiring where it goes into a hole in the axle to go from side of the the trailer to the other. I guess the hole may scrap away the insulation perhaps...

Roy Ken

[j_p_f_]

if I have my trailer plugged in I get a light on my brake controller if I'm not plugged in I don't get any light.
sounds to me like you have the worst kind of problem, intermittent.