Community Forums

10-05-2007, 05:44 PM

Have been using a brake buddy for 4 years. Have sent the brake buddy back for repairs every year for the last three years. This time it was the circuit board AND tank was cracked. This is the second time for each item.
They are telling me the wiring on my Saturn '06 Vue is too light for A brake buddy to operate properly and this is also causing the circuit boards to short out.(wire is 18Ga on a 20 amp fuse)
Something doesn't make sense here to me. Need to hear some other opinions.

10-05-2007, 05:44 PM

Have been using a brake buddy for 4 years. Have sent the brake buddy back for repairs every year for the last three years. This time it was the circuit board AND tank was cracked. This is the second time for each item.
They are telling me the wiring on my Saturn '06 Vue is too light for A brake buddy to operate properly and this is also causing the circuit boards to short out.(wire is 18Ga on a 20 amp fuse)
Something doesn't make sense here to me. Need to hear some other opinions.

wilanddij · 10-05-2007, 07:34 PM

I don't know about the wiring on a Saturn, but you could definitely work around the problem by hooking an add-on 12V power plug directly to the battery. Radio Shack should be a good source for the parts you would need.

SargeW · 10-06-2007, 04:44 AM

Sounds like baloney to me..... How much power could that thing draw? Many devices that plug in draw significant power, air compressors, computers, even coffee pots! I think someone is pulling your leg......

Demco Manufacturing, Inc. · 10-22-2007, 11:54 AM

I can smell that through the computer screen... and it doesn't smell good.

Brent Schuck
Research and Development
Graphic Design

Bill Davis · 10-22-2007, 07:33 PM

I provide a separate 12 volt receptical for my Brake Buddy, wired directly to the battery, through a suitable fuse. About 10 years with no problems. These "cigar lighter" receptacals are also available at auto parts stores. Get one with a suitable current rating, and use appropriate guage wire for the connection.

Digital Boy · 10-26-2007, 07:41 AM

I don't understand what's going on with your BB. I have the original BB purchased in '99. I'm on my 2nd rig and 3rd tow car.

I now use the BB in my '04 Saturn Vue V6. I just plug it into the 12 volt recepticle. I haven't had any problems, even on cross country trips.

I'm sorry for your troubles, I can't offer any suggestions.

Vet Man · 10-26-2007, 04:46 PM

Go to the Brake Buddy web site. They have a kit for $20 part #39305 to get power directly from the battery.

jfb · 10-26-2007, 06:53 PM

We've been wired directly to the battery with appropriate fusing since 1998 with our Brake Buddy. Never a problem. We got BB to help out in an emergency situation. We've NEVER gotten into a situation where we've REAllY needed it! I'd like to hear about any experiences where BB, or any other supplemental braking system, saved their bacon in an emergency situation.

Bill Davis · 10-27-2007, 05:28 AM

We just replaced the Alert System for our 10 year old Brake Buddy. The range is much better, BB tested up to 100 feet. Also has warning buzzer if breakaway occurs. If you have the original metal case model, get the interconnect wire for transmitter, or wont fit. Much more robust design.