Why Would Brake Controller Cause Vehicle Brake Lights to Periodically Come On

Published 12/05/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6487)

$168.84

Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode

(113)

$20.73

Question:

Thank you for your reply. My electric trailer brake system works good when hooked up. Would it be possible to cut a hot supply wire to the system and install a plug connector to be able to reconnect when needed but to avoid random tail lights from coming on when not in use? If so, is the hot wire always a specific color?

asked by: Glen J

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 being replaced.

For a brake controller replacement I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Glen J.

12/5/2017

Jameson C.

12/5/2017

I think I have an easier solution for what you are trying to do. If you used the diode part # RM-690 it would only allow voltage to travel in one direction on the stoplight circuit. So if you wire the IN side of the diode to the vehicle wiring side and then the OUT side to the brake controller the controller would be able to see voltage when needed and then wouldn't be able to apply voltage to the vehicle's wiring.