Tekonsha POD Brake Controller 39523 - Does Trailer Need To Be Connected For Light To Turn On?

Updated 12/08/2025 | Published 06/05/2025

Question:

Hello I just connected the Reese pod to my 2022 Nissan Frontier and the light on unit did not come does the trailer 7 way need to be connected to truck to activate the light on the unit

asked by: Miguel M

Expert Reply:

Hello Miguel, thanks for reaching out. What you are describing sounds normal for the Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller # 39523. The light should only come on when the trailer is plugged in. You should see a green light when you hook up. The light would stay off with the trailer disconnected. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern. You should be able to hit the manual override to test the controller and make sure it is working normally.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

9/8/2025

Hey Miguel, did you get a chance to connect your trailer and see the green light on the brake controller? I'm asking because it could help others who are setting up their controllers too.

Miguel M.

9/8/2025

@JesseM Negative still not working No green light

Jesse M.

9/9/2025

@MiguelM Hmm interesting. Do all of the trailer lights work when you plug your trailer in? I wonder if the controller is not detecting a connection to the trailer?

Miguel M.

12/6/2025

@JesseM finally got it to work the problem was the 7 way connection on my truck the supposedly blue wire is the trailer brake but it wasn’t it was the black wire for trailer brakes not the blue. Everything is now working