Can Manual Override Brake Voltage Backfeed of Brake Controller be Stopped
Published 06/11/2019
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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.
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