Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Lights Up without Trailer Connected

Updated 02/23/2015 | Published 02/22/2015

Question:

My trailer brake module inside the vehicle only lights up when a trailer is hooked up. But today it is lit up with no trailer. Will this do any damage to anything? It has been extremely cold here and I suspect that has something to do with it

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your brake controller display will light up when it detects that it is connected to a trailer. If now it is lit up without a trailer connected that would indicate that there is most likely corrosion on the brake output circuit of your trailer connector. Check out the trailer connector looking for any corrosion and clean as necessary. Look on the inside and back of the connector for this.

In some cases moisture can cause the issue you are describing as well. Allowing the connector to dry out with the flap open might also be worth trying.

I attached a help article on brake controller troubleshooting for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C