Community Forums

max49 · 06-16-2012, 09:00 AM

I bought a 2nd hand, unused all in sealed packages Brake Buddy Classic. (Tan color). It worked great the first 3 times I used it. Now when I plug it in the compressor keeps running. It builds up pressure to at least 60 lbs but won't turn off. When I unplug it it drops rapidly to 40 lbs then 20 and quickly to zero.
I may have to send it to Brake Buddy but has anyone taken the case apart and been able to fix it themselves?
It's not the battery as is in trouble shooting section of the book. Tried it with 2 different batteries and with the engine running and 14 volts.
Thanks for sharing any info u have learned about the BB.

gripper · 06-16-2012, 12:16 PM

Mine did the same thing. I Tried a few things, but wound up sending it to BB, after discussing it with them. Cost me about $75.00 for the repairs, but it works great now.

max49 · 06-17-2012, 07:42 AM

Do you know if they had to replace parts? I was hoping that maybe I had a loose air line inside that just needed tightening. For as much as they get for these, and it's not a cheap throw away, they could at least give us a parts diagram and a troubleshooting page that didn't just say what I must be doing wrong.

gripper · 06-17-2012, 08:59 AM

Yes, the pressure regulator part, had a leak and was replaced. That's why I was charged about $75.00. When they called me, they asked for a credit card #, and they would go ahead and fix it.

Coached · 06-17-2012, 11:42 AM

Ok, this is no reflection on you. If your bb is brand new then it's unlikely that it's broken. Do you have the 'breakaway' plugs inserted into the receptacles on the unit? It is so easy to overlook this (I used mine for 9 years) and if you miss this little connection the compressor will not turn off.

max49 · 06-17-2012, 09:23 PM

I took mine apart and air kept coming out of the bottom of the pressure regulator also, unless I turned the pressure to zero.
The break away cables were connected but I don't think they are necessary to be plugged into the unit for it to otherwise work.
Why do you think they need to be connected? I believe I tested mine without them connected when I first got it and retested the break away function. When I called BB, they never mentioned the breakaway cables.

Coached · 06-18-2012, 10:00 AM

If the breakaway connectors are not inserted then the bb "thinks" there has been a breakaway and triggers the compressor to provide sustained braking to the tow'd? That's how mine and my friend's worked. If you hook up the bb, set it up properly including full air pressure and breakaway connected, then "pull the pin" on the breakaway, the brakes should come on. I forgot to plug my connectors in the odd time and the compressor would not stop until I did. I now use a brand new Blue Ox Patriot and, with this set up, you have to make sure the breakaway pin is inserted before you even turn the unit on or it won't setup properly. Have you tried my suggestion by the way?

max49 · 06-21-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coached

Ok, this is no reflection on you. If your bb is brand new then it's unlikely that it's broken. Do you have the 'breakaway' plugs inserted into the receptacles on the unit? It is so easy to overlook this (I used mine for 9 years) and if you miss this little connection the compressor will not turn off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coached

Ok, this is no reflection on you. If your bb is brand new then it's unlikely that it's broken. Do you have the 'breakaway' plugs inserted into the receptacles on the unit? It is so easy to overlook this (I used mine for 9 years) and if you miss this little connection the compressor will not turn off.

Coached, I wish you were with me when BB called and said they fixed it and it would be $180.
I thought I got a good deal getting it for $250, now I've got close to $480 in it.