Can Manual Override Brake Voltage Backfeed of Brake Controller be Stopped
Published 06/11/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I am installing a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite brake controller that I purchased from you ti install in my Sprinter. The directions describe the requirements for the vehicle brake light connection and that it must accept battery voltage input when the brake controller manual over-ride is operated and illuminate at least the trailer brake lights. In this Mercedes document they say the brake signal wire is OUTPUT ONLY. You sell the wiring harness to connect them. Would all brake controllers have the same requirements and is this OK to connect without damaging the vehicle? Thanks for the help.
asked by: Eric B
Expert Reply:
Brake Controllers like the Tow Pro Elite # RED44FR have as safety function built into them that activates the tow vehicle's brake lights if the manual override lever is applied so that other motorists know you are slowing down. Not all vehicles like this voltage and some will show an error code on the dash.
The solution for this is to install a one-way diode like the # RM-690 which only allows voltage to travel in one direction which would solve your problem. This installed on the red wire of the brake controller would only allow voltage to travel from the brake pedal to the controller.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 118158
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: RV Designer RV Socket Adapter Harness - 4 Way Flat to 7 Way RV
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting
- Shop: Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Redarc Encapsulated Power Diode for Tow-Pro Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Is Encapsulated Power Diode Needed to Install Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty on a 2020 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller When Manual Override Does Not Work
- Q&A: How to Find COLD Side of Brake Light Switch for Hardwiring Brake Controller
- Q&A: Why Do Trailer Breakaway Kits Have Their Own Battery
- Q&A: Does a Breakaway Switch Require a Separate Battery
- Q&A: Wiring A Trailer So That Turn Signal And Brake Signal Are Separated
- Q&A: How Does Redarc Encapsulated Power Diode RED34FR Get Wired To 3rd Brake Light?
- Video: Removing and Replacing Trailer Brake Shoes Review
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Roadmaster Hy-Power Diodes (Qty 3)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
on Trailer Brake Controller
