Valley Brake Controller is Randomly Turning On Brake Lights on a 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I bought a 04 chevy silverado 1500 with a valley brake control already installed. My problem is it randomly sets my brake lights off...driving or not. I have never used it and know absolutely nothing about it....no model number. Please help

asked by: Tami M

Helpful Expert Reply:

This sounds like it could be a short along the red wire on the brake controller that is setting off the brake lights. But if you are not using the controller and do not plan to you can simply disconnect it and the issue should stop.

If you do want or need to use a brake controller in the future, then there is some testing you can do to determine the problem. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override (or brake pedal on some controllers). If it shows power at idle, without pressing the lever or brake pedal, there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H