12 Reasons And Fixes For Blue Ox Patriot Problems

Blue Ox Patriot Problems
Blue Ox Patriot Problems

Many travelers and camping enthusiasts invest in large vehicles like RVs and motorhomes to travel long distances. Just like other vehicles, these RVs and motorhomes also have their own braking system and Blue Ox Patriot is one of the best choices.

It is an electric brake system with faster response and a lifetime battery. In addition, it has an in-coach controller, which helps adjust the braking rate.

However, there are various errors associated with this brake system that we have mentioned in this article, along with suitable solutions.

Blue Ox Patriot Problems

1. Power LED Flashes Orange

If the brake system is engaged for the first time and the power LED starts flashing orange, it only means that the system is not receiving sufficient current to start operating.

The solution is to wait because the super-capacitors in the brake system need to charge up, which takes around fifteen seconds.

So, wait for a few seconds and the orange light will stop flashing. In fact, the orange light will be replaced by blue and green flashing lights, which indicates a normal connection.

2. Solid Blue & Red Light During Setup

If the lights on the brake become solid blue and red during the setup process, it indicates excess pressure on the brake pedals.

Fortunately, the solution is easy as you have to pull back the brake unit and keep it away from the pedal. You have to pull back the brakes until the lights start flashing green and blue.

3. Squeaking Sounds

If the brake pedals start making a squeaking sound whenever you press them, it’s likely that the brake discs are worn out. The immediate solution is to change the discs.

In addition, you have to inspect the brake pads and calipers and make sure they don’t have grit or rust. The grit can be washed away but you’ve to use a contact cleaner to clean the rust.

4. Check The Power Connection

The error codes of the Patriot brake system appear on the remote. This message appears on the remote when the brakes have an input voltage of less than 10V.

It means that the brake has already detected the low battery in the vehicle or it could mean that the brake is not getting power from the receptacle. As a result, the brakes go into idling mode and won’t work.

So, if this message appears, you have to pull over right away and check the connections. First of all, you’ve to check the battery to make sure it’s fully recharged. In case the battery is low, you’ve to get it recharged by a mechanic or opt for jumpstarting.

Charge the battery

However, if charging doesn’t work, it means that the battery is weak and needs to be replaced to power the electrical components.

Once the battery is charged or changed, connect the brake system to the battery and the indicator light will turn green (it signals a restored power connection).

On the other hand, if changing or charging the battery doesn’t work, there is something wrong with the wiring.

For this purpose, you’ve to check the wires that connect the brake system to the battery, and if any of the cables/wires are damaged, they should be replaced to make sure the brake receives sufficient power.

5. Blue & Orange Lights Flash Whenever The Brake Is Engaged

If you engage the brakes and the blue and orange lights start flashing simultaneously, it means that there is something wrong with the load cell. The load cell system helps measure the maximum force and is more accurate as it picks up the fine resolution.

So, if the load cell system stops working, the brake system will be severely impacted. The solution is to call Blue Ox customer support to send it for servicing.

6. Breakaway

When the breakaway message appears, it indicates that the brake unit is in the breakaway state and you are already applying the brakes to full force. It happens when you have attached another vehicle to the RV.

So, if you think that the vehicle is connected to the RV and you cannot pull over, just press the right and left buttons on the remote to deactivate the breakaway.

Once you can pull over, you have to secure the car and check the breakaway connections to make sure the error is cleared.

7. Audible Alarm With “Reposition Brake” Message

If there is a “reposition brake and restart unit” message on the remote along with an audible alarm, it means that the load cell has sensed pressure when the brakes are retracted.

If this error code appears, the brake will keep working normally but you will have to reset and set up the brake again to get rid of the alarm.

If you don’t know how to reposition the brake, follow these instructions;

  • First of all, you’ve to adjust the push pads to achieve better contact with the driver’s seat
  • Make sure that the brake unit’s back is resting against the front side of the driver’s seat (you must ensure that the seat doesn’t put any pressure on the brake)
  • Now, attach the brake claw to the brake pedal, and you are done

In case you need to create more area for the brakes to push against, it’s recommended that you use a stiffener for the seat.

8. Brake Not Found

The brake system is designed with a two-way RF in the in-coach controller and the “brake not found” error appears when the controller stops communicating with the brake.

In case you are using a new remote, it’s recommended that you pair the remote with the brake unit again as it could be hindering communication.

Once the remote is paired up, the error should go away. However, if it doesn’t, you should contact the Blue Ox customer support team.

9. Soft Brake Pedal

The brake pedals are usually tight to make sure the accidental foot bumps don’t cause vehicle control issues. However, if the brake pedals seem too soft, there are chances that the brake fluid has worn out and needs to be replaced.

Change brake fluid

It’s common for the brake fluid to lose its viscosity over time and cause pressure loss. For this reason, the only solution is to change the brake fluid. Keep in mind that the brake fluid should be replaced every year or after completing 50,000km.

10. Reset Tow Brake

The reset tow brake error message means that the brake unit has detected an error. In this case, you won’t be able to activate the brakes until you reset them.

To reset the brake, you need to hire a mechanic or call the Blue Ox customer support team as they can provide the reset instructions.

11. Slow Pressure Loss

When you press the brake pedals and they gradually start losing pressure or the resistance reduces, it indicates leaks in the brake’s lines and connections (it is also called material fatigue).

Usually, people use sealants to cover the leaks but it’s not a reliable solution. The experts recommend that you change the leaking lines as soon as possible and make sure you get the vehicle serviced regularly to prevent this issue.

Sealant

12. Low Brake Power

Blue Ox Patriot has exceptional response time and braking power. So, if the brake power is low, it means that the brake cylinders are damaged or leaking.

The most recommended solution is to replace the cylinders but make sure you purchase the new cylinder according to the brake system’s model.

The Bottom Line

There are various error codes that appear on the remote’s display screen. The errors with the yellow screen will hinder the brake’s functionality but you don’t have to pull over immediately.

On the other hand, if the error has a red screen, you have to pull over immediately and fix the problem before resuming your journey. If the brake system is under warranty, call the Blue Ox customer support team to claim a free repair service.

1 thought on “12 Reasons And Fixes For Blue Ox Patriot Problems”

  1. interesting information on LOAD CELL, my 2nd new patriot model# BRK2022 in 3 months applies max force even at 5 mph. Blue ox sent me a new one the first go around and now they want me to send the second one in for service. they refer to a “velocity sensor issue”.
    And yes the system was installed by a Blue Ox dealer and was inspected after the first failure.
    great information and thank you
    David

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Free Camper & Camping Tips!