Is the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Supposed to Light Up When the Vehicle is Started

Updated 02/02/2021 | Published 01/28/2021

Question:

I installed the Curt Spectrum in my 2017 Chevy Colorado and it seems to be working fine. What confuses me is every time I start the truck, the lights flash back and forth several times as if I connected the trailer. The trailer is not connected and I do not apply the brakes to start the truck. Is this normal? How does it know I started the truck since the only wires connected to anything are the battery positive and ground?

asked by: Jeff P

Expert Reply:

I called Curt to confirm if this is expected. They assured me that this is normal. It lights up when the vehicle is started to indicate the Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller, part # C51170, is on and looking for a connection. Once it's found that there is no connection, it will stop lighting up until a connection is made.

I've linked to a video review of this controller for your reference.

expert reply by: Kef G