Tekonsha Sentinel Brake Controller Display Lights Flashing Diagnosis

Published 07/17/2013

Question:

2004 Ford...had red lights flashing on application...now green light flashs when not applied...when applied green solid and reds light up normally. Seems that green should not be flashing unapplied...thoughts?

asked by: David T

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Tekonsha the Sentinel is an older brake controller and the lighting configuration that you have stated seems to be normal.

If the green light is flashing at approximately an 8 second interval, it is a diagnostic light that is showing that the trailer is connected and the system is operating. If the red light is illuminated that indicates that there is current to the trailer. If the green light is a solid green light then it is indicating that braking has begun.

However, if the green light is quickly flashing at an interval approximately 3 times per second it indicates that there is an issue such as a short or excessive current on the system or low battery on the tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Rachael H