If my breakaway battery is dead,, ??

[FlyingDutchman]

If the breakaway battery is dead, will my electric brakes work at all?
THe controller was only showing connectivity when I hit the brakes and no output #'s would display on the controller.
My trailer is about 4 years old (average life span?) and my brakes would not work at all today.
I hope a dead battery is the answer as I really hate wiring gremlins.
My marker lights worked but I never thought to even look at the brake lights on the trailer.

 

[Willl]

Yes, your brakes should work even with the battery removed.

Only juice required from it is when you set the break away switch.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Dang it, thats what I figured, I was hoping for an easy fix. Looks like I'll be cleaning terminals and running new wires outside in the cold and darkness tonight.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Yep, you have bigger issues.

Chris

 

[yellowdogsvc]

You could have a fuse issue. On my F350, I have cartridge fuses that pop on occasion when using my dump trailer which pulls too much current. My breakaway won't charge without that fuse.
Secondarily, there should be fuses that run to the trailer brakes. That could be under hood or in panel. Check that.

Could be as simple as your plug's fins are bent or corroded. Wiring "gremlins" do suck at night!
Good luck

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I lucked out in a huge way! The tester would light up for everything but the brake signal wire.
I cut one of the "brake wire" connectors off and tied the wires together with a wire nut and got a weak light on my tester.
I cut the next connector off and tied the wires together and got a strong light on the tester.
Took the trailer for a short tow and the brakes worked they like were brand new.
I'll pay for this later somehow.

 

[Diamondpilot]

So it was just a bad bunt-connection down at one of the brakes? If so that tells me you need to address all them. They make good bunt-connectors that are jelly filled and ones that also have built in heat shrink.

Chris

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Sorry I should have been clearer, it was the brake signal wire to the aftermarket 7 prong connector added to my truck.
I didnt touch the trailer wiring at all.

Some heat shrink tape is a good idea, I will pick some up tomorrow.

 

[Skyco]

bunt connectors?

 

[rasimmo]

could someone please tell me what the heck that post from newshow is about. Is it some kind of joke or just garbage?