Trailer brakes stopped working

jamesbe · 07-23-2009, 07:39 PM

Hi all,

I don't know much about this, my trailer has electric brakes, I have some aftermarket brake controller that was installed in my truck when I got it. It was working fine until this afternoon. I used the trailer this morning then this afternoon I hooked up and the brakes no longer worked.

I tried replugging etc, it was raining pretty good today so I suspect maybe something got messed up from the rain. Is there a fuse I can check on the truck first? Before I start debugging wiring....?

The brake controller still lights up but no brakes happen..

**loufish** · 07-24-2009, 12:06 AM

You need to check for voltage at the 7 pin connector...While of course applying the trailer brakes at the contoller...

KTITAN33 · 07-24-2009, 12:16 AM

I work on avionic systems for a/c and alot of times when it rains our connectors will fail due to moisture. We use electrol to clean the connector out and it usually fixes the problem. You can use alchohol (not the kind you drink, and just a little bit) to clean out your connector into your 7 pin and that may help. If not let me know all your specs and i will see if i can help!

jamesbe · 07-24-2009, 05:55 AM

WD40? It's suppose to rain for the next 3 days.... ugh.

Thanks I'll check the voltage, I guess anything more than 0?

KTITAN33 · 07-24-2009, 07:31 AM

No just use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. The best thing to do is put a little alcohol into the connector then blow it out with compressed air. Next you should def check for voltage and see if you really have a problem or not!

jamesbe · 07-26-2009, 03:54 PM

Well I checked my connections all good, 12V at the truck connector, push in the brake and on the trailer you can hear a whine like it is trying but not going.

Maybe it is stuck? I'll have to remove the wheel and check, trailer is only a year old and used every couple of weeks so it is odd.

**loufish** · 07-26-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Well I checked my connections all good, 12V at the truck connector, push in the brake and on the trailer you can hear a whine like it is trying but not going.

Do you know how eletric trailer brakes work?
If the trailer is sitting there, the brakes don't do anything, you must be moving for them to apply...

Try this:
How Do Electric Trailer Brakes Work? | eHow.com

jamesbe · 07-27-2009, 04:49 AM

I hooked up to the truck and drove around the block with an empty trailer I hit the override and nothing, they use to lock the wheels and skid the tires when I did this.

I use to also be able to hold the truck with the trailer by holding the override when idleing the truck would not move, now it does...

I'll have to take it apart I guess, thanks for the help.

I also wonder if it is possible the controller is sending 12V but not enough current? Hmmmph it would really help if I had another truck to test with to be sure it is not the brake controller.

mjw357 · 07-27-2009, 05:52 AM

Well you said it was raining, maybe the drums and shoes are wet? You can hear the actuators working, so it's obviously something mechanical with the brakes themselves. Good luck.

jamesbe · 07-27-2009, 10:01 AM

It was sunny on Sunday though and still no go.

I'm thinking bad ground maybe, who knows. It is suppose to rain for the next 3 days, UGH! Maybe I can look at it this weekend....

jamesbe · 07-27-2009, 03:50 PM

Thanks guys I half solved my problem!

Went under the trailer and tried the brakes while spinning the wheels. One was tough to spin but still did a little, the other spun freely completely. So I checked the wires and the one ground was broken. Fixed the wire and that wheel now locks up!!

So I have brakes again. Except now the other wheel doesn't work

The wheel that seemed to work actuates but doesn't stop the wheel, took it apart it was seized against the hub, banged on it got the hub off and adjusted it to spin freely since it wasn't and it should but of course the brakes no longer grab. I'm suspecting the pads are glazed and useless now.

CaptRage · 09-02-2009, 01:08 PM

Re: Electric Brakes- no power

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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3dad
2006 Titan , just wired in a brake controller and no power from factory plug to controller, all other lights work. All fuses have been checked. No power out of red wire of factory connector under dash for controller,, thanks TS

I know this thread is old and I hope you found your problem. This is what happened to me. Good luck!!
I have an 06 SE off road with the big tow and when installing my brake controller I hooked up the adapter to the factory pigtail with the key off. I hit the brake pedal with the wires while trying to route them and they sparked. I figured I blew a fuse. When I hooked up the brake controller it didn't work. When I checked the red wire from the pigtail it was dead. I looked in this thread and found the wiring diagram and was able to find the blown fuse. The diagram states it is a "fusable link" but what I found when trying to replace the blown fuse is that it is a "Dealer only part" $15.99 and had to order(of course!!) I guess what I am trying to say is I have power to my brake controler and it is wired up to the factory pigtail. When I push the manual lever to the left my brake controler red light comes on and I have power going to the 7pin connector at the bumper. I just want to share my experience to help other TITAN owners. I was frustrated not being able to find the correct fuse. By the way it is it he rear fuse box on the engines right(passenger side) look at the inside of the cover for the diagram. It is labeled "Electric brake controller" It really stinks to replace this fuse because it also runs the radiator fan and ignition switch. This fuse is three in one. I needed mine to pull my 3 horse goose nect trailer so I soldered it back together in a pinch( ordered a new one today) Hope this helps someone else!!!
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I had the same sort of issue as chad734. It was a bear to find the fuse, once found, I was unhappy to find that it had to be ordered from Nissan. $18.00 and 4 days later I had trailer brakes.

It is Nissan part# 24370-C9900 (Multitype Fuse Links)