Trailer Brake Problems, controller shows SC

[CFinley]

Purchased a new 20ft goose neck lowboy about 2 weeks ago, towed it 150 miles home and everything worked great. Used it today to hall off some trash and on the way back home, I got a message on the center display that said "Check trailer brake wiring"and "trailer brakes disconnected" and on the brake controller the letters SC. Below that is a trailer symbol and an exclamation point that flash continuously. Checked all the wires and connections on the female and male plugs and all is good. Also looked under the trailer for any loose or frayed wires. None found! Any ideas?

 

[Camperman]

My 2012 would give a 'check trailer', 'trailer disconnected' message at different times while towing. I contacted the dealer about this. first thing done, was to make sure the bumper plug was seated correctly. (front side of plug to back side, behind the bumper) It was NOT seated right, but made no difference. Dealer found there was a service bulletin on the brake controller. Since having the dash mounted brake controller replaced, I have had zero messages as first stated. This may not be your fix, but a place to start. Best wishes & hope you get it fixed.

 

[MLee]

How old is the trailer? very much usage? Wires inside the axle tube? If you answered yes then try making them tight by pulling on them to give them a new area to rest. Could be a shorted wire inside.I had this same scenario. Rewired out side the axle tube. Solved my problem. Insulation could be chafed.

 

[SnoKing]

Electric brakes can also get shorts in the magnet wires inside the brake assembly. Wires have to be inspected very carefully to find it. Chris

 

[CFinley]

Trailer is new and yes the wires are inside the axle tube. Trailer only has 2 trips on it so far, the trip home when purchased and the one yesterday. I also live down a dirt road which is very bumpy and might have something to do with this, rubbed through the insulation on the wires. I'll check what yall have suggested this weekend and let you know what I find. Thanks

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Well, What did you find?!?

 

[CFinley]

Well, What did you find?!?

Ran new wires on the outside of the axles and it seemed to have fixed the problem. Then the next time I used the trailer, plugged in the lights and trailer brakes stayed locked up. Unplugged the positive wire from the battery on the breakaway switch and everything is working great.