Troubleshooting Two Red Lights On All the Time on Brake Controller

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Question:

We have one of your brake controllers. Two red lights stay on all the time. Is this o.k or could it not be hooked up right. Thank

asked by: Gus G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The issue could be a wiring issue or a faulty brake controller. The red light should only come on when you step on the brake pedal or when you push the manual override lever, with or without a trailer connected.

The first step I would take is to make sure the brake controller is installed properly. Your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado should have a port under the dash for a plug-in style wiring harness like part # 3016. If you are not using a plug-in wiring adapter, I recommend using this harness and connecting to the port on your truck designed for a brake controller.

If you hardwired the brake controller, there is a possibility that the red wire was attached to the wrong wire on the truck. The red wire should be connected to a dedicated brake light wire, typically found at the brake light switch above the brake pedal. If it is connected to a wire that has power with any other function, such as headlights or an illumination circuit, it would act as if you are stepping on the brake pedal, even when you are not.

If the brake controller is installed properly and the red light comes on without stepping on the brake pedal or pushing the manual override, then there could be an issue with the brake controller. Brake controllers are not internally serviceable, so it would have to be replaced. If you find that the brake controller is the problem and need a replacement, I recommend looking into the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. This is one of the most popular brake controllers on the market because it is easy to install and use. It is also compatible with the plug-in wiring adapter, # 3016.

expert reply by: Chris O

1

Answer 1

The P3 brake controller, #90195, will go into a sort of sleep mode after it detects no movement for 15 minutes. While it is on it does not draw very much power. What you can do to make sure it goes to sleep is exit the truck after turning it off,…

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Answer 2

Most brake controllers will stay active for several minutes after the vehicle is turned off and then will eventually go into sleep mode. The small LED light draws such a small amount that it would it would not cause your battery to drain. I…

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Answer 3

It is possible to mount the springs on top of the axle which is called "flipping the axle". To accomplish this we normally recommend an over-under conversion however there is not one with square u-bolts available for your square…

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Answer 4

The AX (Auxiliary) location on the Hopkins 48505 connector that you reference, which is the same one used on the Hopkins #H20046, is typically used for 12V power. If you take a circuit tester like part #PTW2979 or #C73NR you should see that the…

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Answer 5

That has to be a brake controller issue. Sounds like the controller is backfeeding the stoplight circuit it taps into as a signal wire with voltage which is then activating your brake lights. When this happens the brake controller is in need of…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only…

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Answer 9

Hi Bruce, To lift your trailer we'll first need to check of the suspension and see if you have torsion axles or a leaf spring suspension. If you have torsion axles then I'll need to see the axle tag in order to determine what you have…

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Answer 10

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 11

A factory 7-way trailer connector isn't all you need to power a trailer's electric brakes. You still need a brake controller. Some Ford F-150s are equipped with a factory integrated brake controller, which you may have. If your 2012…

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Answer 12

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Troubleshooting Two Red Lights On All the Time on Brake Controller

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