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Troubleshooting

Common issues with HydraStar trailer brake actuators and the Break-Away system, plus the step-by-step checks our technical team uses.

Diagnostics

Common Issues & Fixes

Click any item below to expand the troubleshooting steps.

Hydrastar® Trailer Brake Actuator is not functioning properly:
  1. Check for proper wiring of the actuator (see wiring diagram)
  2. Check for proper wire size (12 gauge wire is required)
  3. Check for proper ground (must be ground through the tow vehicle and to the trailer)
  4. Check to ensure unit is receiving power from the tow vehicle (black and blue wire from the actuator)
  5. Check for compatibility with the tow vehicle (see compatibility chart)
  6. If HBA-CAM is required, ensure CAM is wired correctly
  7. If problem is not solved, conduct Battery Test (see Battery Test Procedures)
  8. If actuator passes Battery Test the problem is not in the actuator, if actuator fails Battery Test, contact the Technical Dept.
Hydrastar® Trailer Brake Actuator is making a clicking sound:
  1. Check for proper wiring of the actuator (see wiring diagram)
  2. Check for proper wire size (12 gauge wire is required)
  3. Check for proper ground (must be ground through the tow vehicle and to the trailer)
  4. Check to ensure unit is receiving power from the tow vehicle (black and blue wire from the actuator)
  5. Check for compatibility with the tow vehicle (see compatibility chart)
  6. Check Break-Away Battery System wiring. Blue brake controller wiring from the Hydrastar SHOULD NOT be wired in to the Break-Away Battery System.
  7. If problem is not solved, conduct Battery Test (see Battery Test Procedures)
  8. If actuator passes Battery Test the problem is not in the actuator, if actuator fails Battery Test, contact the Technical Dept.
Delayed response of the Hydrastar® Trailer Brake Actuator:
  1. Check brake fluid level
  2. Re-bleed the trailer braking system (bleed Hydrastar first)
  3. Check for proper wiring of the actuator (see wiring diagram)
  4. Check for proper wire size (12 gauge wire is required)
  5. Check for proper ground (must be ground through the tow vehicle and to the trailer)
  6. Check for compatibility with the tow vehicle (see compatibility chart)
  7. If problem is not solved, conduct Battery Test (see Battery Test Procedures)
  8. If actuator passes Battery Test the problem is not in the actuator, if actuator fails Battery Test, contact the Technical Dept.
Hydrastar® Trailer Brake Actuator is unresponsive:
  1. Check brake fluid level
  2. Re-bleed the trailer braking system (bleed Hydrastar first)
  3. Check for proper wiring of the actuator (see wiring diagram)
  4. Check for proper wire size (12 gauge wire is required)
  5. Check for proper ground (must be ground through the tow vehicle and to the trailer)
  6. Check for compatibility with the tow vehicle (see compatibility chart)
  7. If problem is not solved, conduct Battery Test (see Battery Test Procedures)
  8. If actuator passes Battery Test the problem is not in the actuator, if actuator fails Battery Test, contact the Technical Dept.
Battery Break-Away System is not functioning properly:
  1. Check for proper charge on the battery
  2. Check for proper wiring of the Break-Away System
  3. Check to ensure wires are not corroded
  4. Check for proper function of the Break-Away Switch
  5. If still having issues contact Hydrastar Technical Dept
Watch & Learn

Installation Troubleshooting

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