Should Brake Controller Apply Vehicle Brake Lights When Manual Override Lever is Slid

Published 02/07/2018

Question:

I have a 2003 suburban. I purchased brake contoller 5504 and 3015-p wiring adapter. When i plug into camper, my camper is not recognized. I have tested controller. Seems to be working. I purchased a 7 wire plug in tester. When doing manual on brake controller my brake lights on vehicle are lighting up. That should not happen. What is problem? Something wired incorrectly?

asked by: Ian W

Expert Reply:

Actually having your brake lights illuminate when you hit the manual override of your controller is normal. The controller is backfeeding the brake line so that the brake lights of your car light up which will then light up the trailers brakes so that people behind you know that the vehicle's brakes are applying.

Typically if the controller isn't recognizing a trailer it's due to corrosion on the trailer connector preventing the connection from being made. Check that and clean as necessary. I also attached a help article on troubleshooting brake controller installs for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C