Curt Brake Controller Flashed Red Light As Soon as Trailer is Connected

Question:

I recently hooked up my brake controller and Im having an issue. When the controller is NOT hooked up to the camper is shows a single green light. When I plug in the 7 way from the camper to my 2002 Honda Odyssey it flashes red. Can you tell me anything about why that may be or where to start looking? Thanks

asked by: Scott N

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt and the problem you are describing sounds like an overload condition on the brake circuit (blue wire). Since it happens when you connect the trailer to the 2002 Honda Odyssey it is likely a problem on the trailer side or in the vehicle or trailer side connector.

Make sure that the vehicle and trailer side 7-Way connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside, where the wires attach, and outside on the pins. Sometimes corrosion can cause a short on the brake circuit.

If you continue to have problems then it could be wiring to the brake magnets. Inspect the wiring and fix any pinched or damaged wires. Check the brake magnets themselves and if you can see the copper windings coming through then the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets, you can follow the help article I have linked.

If you still have problems after all of that testing/repairing, then you can test to see if the controller is the problem. Leave the trailer disconnected from the van and test the blue wire behind the controller using a circuit tester # PTW2993. There should only be power on the blue wire when you apply the manual override lever. If it lights the test light without the override then there is a problem inside the controller, and it will need to be replaced.

If the controller checks out, then there is likely a pinched or damaged wire somewhere between the brake controller and the 7-Way connector at the back on the blue wire.

expert reply by: Michael H