Troubleshooting Green Light on Brake Controller Stays on Without Braking

Published 11/01/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1491)

$11.15

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(66)

$13.59

Question:

Hi, I am having trouble with green lights staying on without breaking applying the break. What can I do to correct that?

asked by: Curtis

Expert Reply:

Normally having a green light on your brake controller means you have a connection to your trailer. This is an indication of a power draw on your brake output wire that happens when a trailer is connected. If you are getting that light without a trailer connected it is an indication of a slight draw on that brake output wire. That LED light should turn red when you hit the brake pedal or activate the manual override with the trailer.

If you have this green light when a trailer is not connected it is an indication that there is some debris or corrosion on your trailer connector and you should clean that 5 o'clock pin location with some sandpaper and then use dielectric grease like # 11755 to prevent future issues.

I've attached an article to help you test your brake controller to assure it is functioning correctly. You can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test your 5 o'clock pin using the manual override and you can also use that tester to find a short in the brake controller output wire if needed by using this same method and probing through the insulation on that wire every few feet.

expert reply by: Jason S