Curt Discovery Brake Controller Only Works With Manual Override and Not When Pressing Brakes
Published 08/23/2019
Question:
I have a 2016 Tacoma TED with a Curt Discovery brake controller. When I press on the brakes I get no light on the controller, but when I move the manual control it lights up fine. Any thoughts?
asked by: Tom P
Expert Reply:
This sounds like an issue on the red wire that supplies power when your brakes are depressed. When you use the manual override, it bypasses the need for a brake signal on the vehicle and applies power to the trailer brakes; that is why it is lighting up when you engage the manual override. You'll need to check the red wire that runs from the brake controller for any type of loose connection, broken wires, etc.; this wire should attach to the stop light switch above the brake pedal that only carries power when the brakes are pressed. If you're not seeing any wiring issues, using a circuit tester similar to # PTW2992 you'll need to test the wiring to make sure that you're getting power from the red wire when the brakes are pressed. If you're getting power, this is going to be an issue with the brake controller internally. If you're not getting anything on the red wire, the CHMSL could be bad. Check fuse number 4 under the hood and make sure that your brake lamp is working.
If those steps don't solve your issue let me know and I will continue to troubleshoot with you.
