Should a Reese Pilot Brake Controller Show a Decimal Point When Trailer Brakes are Applied

Updated 06/18/2024 | Published 03/16/2016

Question:

The red dot should light up when key is on position and then letter C lights up when trailer is connected, digital readout to adjust brake control. Mine always did that until lately now nothing lights up with key on, dot comes on only when brake is applied. No digital readout at all.

asked by: Noah G

Expert Reply:

Actually the decimal point of the Reese brake controller part # 80550 that you have should only come on when the manual slide or vehicle brakes are applied without a trailer connected. It sounds like yours is working properly.

Have you tried connecting a trailer to the tow vehicle to see what happens? If it doesn't show a connection most likely the problem is corrosion on the trailer connector of the vehicle or trailer.

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

expert reply by: Jameson C