No brakes, but everything else works... what's wrong?

[groshko]

Hi there,

I just got my first Airstream last month (a 1974 31' footer) and I can't get the brakes to work. I just got a brand new Tekonsha brake controller put in my truck and it always says " n.c " (not connected) when connected to the trailer. I tested the controller and truck with my parent's 5th wheel, and it works fine. So what's wrong? All my turn signals and brakes lights work fine on the airstream... and the guy I bought the trailer from said the brakes worked fine for him. Is there something I'm missing here?

Thanks!

[arcamedies]

Originally Posted by groshko

Hi there,

I just got my first Airstream last month (a 1974 31' footer) and I can't get the brakes to work. I just got a brand new Tekonsha brake controller put in my truck and it always says " n.c " (not connected) when connected to the trailer. I tested the controller and truck with my parent's 5th wheel, and it works fine. So what's wrong? All my turn signals and brakes lights work fine on the airstream... and the guy I bought the trailer from said the brakes worked fine for him. Is there something I'm missing here?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forums.

Since the new Tekonsha works fine on your parents 5th wheel, probably a 7 pin setup, it's not the truck. Even though the connector may look the same some airstreams had a 6 pin setup (same plug just less connectors used in it) meaning you have to match the wiring correctly to make the brakes system work on the trailer. I'd start with checking the wiring diagram on the airstream to match up to the truck plug, or you have a break in the trailer brake wire system.

[HowieE]

If you have a good battery in the trailer. Jack up one side of the trailer and while someone is spinning one of the wheels take a piece of #12 wire and jump the connections at 11 and 7 o clock, power and brakes wires, on the trailer plug. If the wheel stops the brake system on the trailer is working and the problem is in the TV. If the wheel does not stop the problem in in the trailer.

Post the results and we can go from there.

[richinny]

when you test for voltage at the truck connector, do you have voltage there when you step on the brake?

[Splitrock]

On a tow vehicle with a jumper light, the brakes and the stop lights look the same. A 7 way tester is a quick way to verify the tow vehicle is wired right and working and it looks good in any tool tray. On my trailer, the previous owner did a Super Bowl party midnight install on a replacement 7 way trailer plug by eliminating the break away switch, and removing the fuse panel. Nothing was soldered. It was all twisted and taped. I took it all apart and rewired it all with a new break away switch.

After I assumed nothing was right on my systems, I made progress.

Gary

[groshko]

Yeah, I took apart the 7 way cable and the yellow wire wasn't making contact. Fixed it now and all is good.

Thanks!