Error Messages on Dash of 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler When Applying Brake Controller Manual Override

Updated 06/12/2019 | Published 06/11/2019

Question:

I have a factory installed Mopar 7 pin trailer kit. I have purchased the Redarc Tow Pro Elite. When installed and the manual brake is applied I get warning lights for the auto start and traction control being disabled. Have you had any others with this same issue?

asked by: Noe C

Expert Reply:

Trailer brake controllers like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR are designed to power the vehicle's brake lights when applying the manual override as a safety measure (to let drivers behind you know that you're coming to a stop). What is happening on your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited is that it's basically detecting that those brake lights are coming on but you aren't stepping on the brake pedal. The computer sees this as some kind of an error with a sensor which is why you are getting those error messages.

This doesn't have any affect at all on the brake controller's function and there's nothing really you can do to work around this issue. An important thing to keep in mind though is that in a normal driving situation, you will almost certainly be stepping on the brake pedal as well when using the manual override, so this particular error should really only come up when testing the controller like what you are currently doing.

expert reply by: Chris R