Troubleshooting Charge Line Of 7-Way and Redarc Trailer Brake Controller Install On 2020 Ford Ranger

Published 12/30/2021

Question:

Bought the recommendation from Ford which is a redarc pro elite for the 2020 Ford ranger. Its been installed at Ford but frankly I didnt feel they knew what they were doing. I have a Curt 7 way tester but the 12v light doesnt come on. All other lights come on. When you push the redarc button the light blinks a few times and goes off. Just wanted to test before I actually have the trailer. Am I doing something wrong?

asked by: Toby D

Expert Reply:

A common issue I would see with some Ford's is the fuse for the charge line circuit of the 7-way would be left out of the fuse box. In your engine compartment fuse box you will need to ensure that there is a fuse in the 73 (30 amp fuse) and 87 (40 amp J case fuse). Be sure to check and make sure if there are fuses in these locations that they are in working condition.

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR is a proportional trailer brake controller so when you are testing while sitting still it will only send a small amount of power to the braking circuit. If you switch the controller over to the user controlled mode by connecting to a trailer or adding your tester to the 7-way. You will then be able to turn the controller knob fully counter-clockwise, press the brake pedal, double click the brake knob twice within 1 second and then release the brake pedal this will change the light from blue to green. In user controlled mode the brake force sent to the trailer brakes will be equivalent to the setting you have the knob set to.

expert reply by: Bud M