|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
I installed an aftermarket trailer brake on my hunting rig. I mounted it a little too high for the double-sided key ring I carry and when the keys are in the ignition and brush against the controller, I get sparks. The simple solution is, a separate my keychain; problem solved, BUT.......
I assume either the ignition or trailer brake isn't properly grounded? It was a simple installation and nothing was bubba'd. The cord from the brake controller plugged into the factory wire harness.
Thoughts?
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247 |
If you're getting sparks, it's not the ground. You have a hot wire in contact with the controller that needs to be fixed or you have a defective controller. Look behind the screws on the mounting bracket to start with. You might have run a screw into a wire back there. Use a test light or multimeter to check for a hot controller housing. Try it with your foot both on and off the brake pedal.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247 |
As a starting point, find out if there's current from the controller casing to a ground with the key turned off and on. If there is, either way, remove the mounting screws 1 at a time and recheck. If you get all the screws out and still have a short to the case, look at your wire connections to see if there's a short there. If not, you might have a bad controller.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
Shouldn't have a hot controller housing. I think it's plastic, BUT I will verify and check as you've instructed.
Thanks!
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247 |
If it's sparking, your keys are hitting something metal and hot. Maybe the mounting bracket? That's why I think you might have run a screw into a hot wire behind it.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
Defective controller.
I pulled the controller out of the plastic mounting bracket to remove the screws as instructed above. Long story short; I brushed the face of the controller against a bolt which anchors the drivers seat. The sparks flew.
Thanks Rock Chuck.
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,247 |
I'm glad you found it before it fried something expensive. It doesn't take much to cook some of the electronics in newer cars.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
More good news: I contacted Hayes, told them what the problem is and they said mail it to us and we'll mail you a new one. Great customer service from an American company and what is touted to be an American-made brake controller (Hayes G2 Brake Boss).
Thanks again.
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
663 members (12344mag, 1eyedmule, 160user, 10gaugemag, 10gaugeman, 1beaver_shooter, 71 invisible),
2,872
guests, and
1,410
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,190,476
Posts18,451,832
Members73,901
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|