Can Brake Controller Cause ABS and Brake Warning Lights of Tow Vehicle to Come On

Updated 06/17/2015 | Published 06/15/2015

Question:

I noticed that when I am towing my travel trailer and I hit some rough road surfaces or go over a significant bump on the highway, my ABS and brake warning lights come on. This never happened before I installed this model brake controller. I still have full braking power and when I stop the engine, the warning lights go off. They do not come on when I am not towing. Is it possible I am losing traction momentarily while towing and setting off the sensors? My brakes were just serviced prior to having the controller installed . Is there any adjustments I can or should make to resolve this? I have a new weight distribution anti-sway system on the RV. I am having my mechanic look at my abs sensor as well. Thanks....

asked by: Chris C

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha, who tells me that if the brake controller has been properly installed, the brake controller will have nothing whatsoever to do with the ABS system of your vehicle. If the controller was hardwired into the tow vehicle (as opposed to using a plug-in connector) there's a very slight chance that if the red wire from the brake controller could've been tapped into the wrong circuit. The red wire should be tapped into the circuit coming off the brake stoplight switch that only shows power when the brake pedal is pushed.

If this isn't the case, the ABS and brake warning lights going off are most likely coincidental. I'll link you to our Brake Controller Troubleshooting FAQ article.

expert reply by: Mike L