Troubleshooting Red Light on Brake Controller when Headlights Are Turned On

Published 10/25/2017

Question:

Red light comes on when I apply brakes assume this is right to let me know its working. However just drove after dark without trailer red light on when I turn headlights on....is this proper or did installer wire it wrong?? Was just installed last week

asked by: Art M

Expert Reply:

It may depend on the controller you are using. When you state the red light comes on my mind goes immediately to the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 with the LED on top. When a trailer is connected it turns green and when you hit the brake pedal it turns red.

It should not be red when the headlights are turned on. It sounds like there is a bad ground wire connection to your controller. The headlights are probably causing more draw on your system and that is why it isn't noticeable until your headlights are on even though the ground should be stronger. Make sure you have a bare metal to metal connection for that ground wire if you have hardwired your controller.

expert reply by: Jason S