electric brake problem

[SilverTrigger]

I'm towing my 2008 Jayco Select 12HW with a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L truck and am having an issue with the electric brakes. My truck has the towing package, and I bought a Hayes Synchronizer brake controller and plugged it in but the light on the controller isn't lighting up and the trailer brakes aren't activating. I applied the brakes with the brake pedal and the slide on the controller, but the controller light won't illuminate for either. The brake lights on the trailer will come on when both are applied, and all other lights (running, turn signals, etc.) also work. I jacked up the trailer and spun the tire, but the brakes failed to stop it. I didn't hear the "hum" you're supposed to hear when the magnets kick on. I checked my wiring on the controller and harness where it pugs into my truck and it is wired right. Should I check the wiring on the trailer all the way to the brakes? And if so, how should I do that? I have basic handyman skills, but nothing really advanced. I just need a direction to start. Thanks.

[Doug]

Here's a Youtube Video, looks like a bad ground can be one problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5NXFO_OfDA

Here's a video on checking the brake controller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTfmXCZk3og

Good overview video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KdGKGMv1Qs

Best regards,
Doug

[dlfeather]

I have had some problems like this before. Some things not working on the trailer. I have learned to put the electrical connector in and out a few times. This helps clean the connectors and helps to make a good positive connection.

[RedHorse1]

I have a different brand brake controller but as soon as I plug it in it will light up. If the TT is not connected it will give me an indication that my trailer is not there. I would expect most controllers would have some kind of indication it's getting power whether the TT is connected or not. Have you ever had a brake controller plugged in before? If not I might suspect a problem with the plug on the TV. Check out the wiring diagram for the controller and figure out where it should have 12v and check that with a VOM. If the controller is new perhaps it was dead out of the box. I seem to recall an earlier post regarding a Ford TV where a fuse or relay had to be added to energize the brake controller circuit on the TV.
Let us know what you find out.

[chillywilly]

Check the wiring to the controller. Like said above, it is not uncommon to have no power supplied to the controller from the factory. Be it a fuse or a connection under the hood, that would be my first spot to look.

[exjay1]

^x2. alot of times they are pre-wired but no fuse installed OR in my case the harness of the Envoy is pre-ran and is taped up under the dash thus requiring the owner to connect it up to a pwr source.

[greenenvy1]

I agree check fuses.

[slabat]

I had the same issue when I purchased my trailer, the wiring plug/wires in my truck were corroded and the controller wasnt getting a proper ground. I had them re-wire the harness and it worked great, havent had a problem since.