Is the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Supposed to Light Up When the Vehicle is Started

Question

Question:

I installed the Curt Spectrum in my 2017 Chevy Colorado and it seems to be working fine. What confuses me is every time I start the truck, the lights flash back and forth several times as if I connected the trailer. The trailer is not connected and I do not apply the brakes to start the truck. Is this normal? How does it know I started the truck since the only wires connected to anything are the battery positive and ground?

asked by: Jeff P

0

Expert Reply:

I called Curt to confirm if this is expected. They assured me that this is normal. It lights up when the vehicle is started to indicate the Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller, part # C51170, is on and looking for a connection. Once it's found that there is no connection, it will stop lighting up until a connection is made.

I've linked to a video review of this controller for your reference.

expert reply by: Kef G

0

Answer 1

If you are getting a constant 3.4 volts on the brake output circuit of your brake controller without the brake pedal pressed that's a malfunction of the brake controller. Curt controllers are known to be a bit more prone to internal bugs so the…

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Answer 2

It sounds like your Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 is working properly. You are not getting an error code, but the number of red lights should increase as more brake power is asserted. The actual number of red lights that appear…

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Answer 3

Good news is nothing is wrong with your system. I reached out to Curt and they have ran into this a few times with the newer model Chevrolet pickups. Basically the truck occasionally will run a systems check. This is a quick surge of power that gets…

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Answer 4

The Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part #C51170 will illuminate even without a trailer connected that is correct. If you don't wish to see this light each time you hitch the brakes without a trailer attached then you will either need to…

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Answer 5

The calibration process of the Curt Spectrum #C51170 should only happen after initial installation and should be run before you plug in the trailer to your tow vehicle. You should have seen the green lights on the knob light up in a clockwise motion…

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Answer 6

I would start by using a hook probe tester like the #PTW2993 to check and see if you're getting a power feed on the wire coming out of the box on the Curt Spectrum #C51170 when the knob is plugged in. This will give you an idea if the knob might…

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Answer 7

The Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional - Dash Mount #c51170 will flash blue on its control knob when the brakes are applied with no trailer or when it senses the trailer has been disconnected. If you look at the…

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Answer 8

Yes, your RV batteries should all have the same voltage and amperage rating. The reason you cant mix match different batteries like Go Power Lithium RV Battery 34282740 and Go Power Lithium RV Battery #34282738 that have different amp ratings is due…

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Answer 9

Thanks for asking a very good question; I am happy to offer some help. Electronic sway-control systems, whether they are OEM or aftermarket, do not deliver the same level of sway-control performance you can get from a weight distribution (WD) system…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are having a problem with the stoplight switch (red) wire on your Draw-Tite Time Delayed, part #5504. If this wire is not connected properly to the right wire you will encounter the problem you are having. I would make sure that…

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Answer 11

The Demco 50-Degree A-Frame Coupler without Jack Hole part #DM15349-52 is not available with a jack hole. If you want to add your own hole to accommodate a jack that would be acceptable.

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Answer 12

If you already have a 7-pin connector on the back of your Passport then, by far, the easist solution is the Curt #C51180 Echo Wireless Brake Controller. Simply plug one side into your tow vehicle 7-pin connector and plug your trailer into the other…

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Is the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Supposed to Light Up When the Vehicle is Started

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