Troubleshooting Redarc Brake Controller That Shuts Down Periodically Then Re-Sets

Question:

After towing caravan for about 20 minutes at over 80 kilometers per hour the break controller indicator led goes out and have no trailer breaks pull up at rest stop for approx 10 minutes and the led comes back on and breaks start working again van has been serviced and breaks tested OK any ideas

asked by: Ern W

Expert Reply:

If your Redarc trailer brake controller, such as their Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR, shuts down after a short period of towing but then reactivates after a 10-minute rest, there are a few different potential causes you can investigate.

One is that the unit is losing its ground connection to the vehicle battery. This could be a loose wire or connector.

Another (more likely) possibility is that there is a short-circuit somewhere in the brake controller power circuit that is tripping the circuit breaker that controls the 12V operating power to the controller. That breaker is usually a thermal-reset type, such as # PK54530, that will disconnect if it heats up due to a fault but re-connect once it cools down. The 10-minute wait you're experiencing makes me think this is the issue.

You can also inspect your vehicle connector and all wiring for the brake circuit on the trailer checking for cracked or worn insulation, wire that is rubbing against the frame or any other visible issue that could cause a short. Even just trapped foreign material in the socket could cause a short that would trip the breaker.

You can refer to the two linked articles for more guidance on locating the cause of the fault.

expert reply by: Adam R