Curt TriFlex Brake Controller AE Error that Caused Error Messages on a 2016 Mazda CX-5

Question:

I recently purchased and installed the Curt Triflex brake controller. Soon after installation I started receiving the AE error. To add to this my vehicle started intermittently showing me sensor errors on my vehicle. I have had it suggested to me that the red wire is hooked up to the wrong wire on the brake switch, but even after disconnecting the controller, my vehicle still shows the errors. Im not sur eif you are the ones to help me with this but if you could head me in the right direction that would be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Andrew M

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is have the error codes showing up on the vehicle cleared by a mechanic. When a vehicle throws codes like that they stay in the computer memory so disconnecting the controller won't stop the error messages from appearing.

It does sound like something may not have been hooked up quite right but it could also be an internal issue with the controller (more on that below). On the 2016 Mazda CX-5 there isn't a plug-in harness for a brake controller so it has to be hardwired in. The potential to attach something, particularly the red wire, to the wrong vehicle wire is higher and a common occurrence. So if that is the issue, no worries because it does happen.

Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the brake switch wires (where the brake controller red wire would connect). You need the wire that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed. If it shows power with the headlights on or a turn signal engaged it is not the correct wire.

I also recommend using a different controller, # 90885, because the AE error indicates an internal problem with the controller that cannot be fixed. Only the factory could fix/refurbish that particular error.

expert reply by: Michael H