Brakes on 2005 Honda CR-V Apply when Brake Controller is On with No Trailer Connected

Question:

I BOUGHT THE PREMUS TK90160 AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKE ON THE TOW CAR APPLYING WHEN THE CONTROLLER IS ON AND THE TRAILER IS NOT HOOKED ON TO THE CAR

asked by: ROYCE B

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may have the red wire on the brake controller connected to the wrong wire on the brake switch. It is easy to attach the wrong wire because there are some that have a brake light function but also have other functions. What you will need to do is use a circuit tester # PTW2993 to probe the brake switch wires above the brake pedal.

When testing you want the one that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed. If you think you found it but that wire also shows power if you turn on the head lights or turn signals, then it is not the correct wire. I have included a link to our FAQ article on troubleshooting brake controllers for you on the right.

expert reply by: Michael H