Does Tapping Into Stoplight Circuit for Brake Controller Install Possibly Damage Vehicle Wiring

Published 11/15/2017

Question:

I want to add brakes to a tear camper we just bought. I installed the heavy duty Modulite wiring kit on the MINI some time back in order to tow a small utility trailer so I already have a four pin connector. My Hopkins controller and ETBC7 conversion kit are on their way and I have been studying the installation instructions and videos in preparation for their arrival. My concern is with splicing in to the brake light switch directly. Does that create any current draw that could affect the MINIs electronics? .

asked by: Bob S

Expert Reply:

When hardwiring a brake controller to a vehicle and tapping into the stoplight circuit for the red wire of the brake controller you would not have to worry about this step damaging anything. This circuit is only used as a signal wire and doesn't hardly draw any amperage so it wouldn't put enough draw on your vehicle to damage anything.

I attached a set of install instructions for the # ETBC7 for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C