Brake Lights Malfunction On 2006 Dodge Pickup With Hopkins Brake Controller Installed
Updated 09/19/2013 | Published 09/17/2013
Question:
I have a weird issue. It looks like the Hopkins 47295 model no model number on my manual. It is about 5 years old on my 2006 Dodge 2500, Diesel. This past summer, about 5 times, I have come out to my truck no trailer connected and the brakes lights have been flashing randomly. The controller will be buzzing with red light flashing numbers. I push the red button and it stops. Unit seems to work fine towing. Is it defective unit or bad wiring?
asked by: Mark G
Expert Reply:
If your controller is a Hopkins model # HM47295, it is hardwired to your 2006 Dodge 2500. I have linked you to a drawing that shows the wiring diagram for a hardwired installation. Unfortunately, with the issue you are having being intermittent, and the system otherwise appearing to be working properly after you push the red button on the controller, it may be difficult to locate the source of the problem. If the unit is flashing the letters SC, it indicates there is a short circuit in the wiring. If there are numbers being displayed, that is an indicator of either the power setting or the sensitivity setting. If your controller is in fact the Hopkins # HM47295, the red button is the manual override switch. I have linked you to an FAQ article for troubleshooting brake controller installations.
You might check the connector on your vehicle to make sure there is no corrosion or that the connector does not have any damage.
Another method of trying to find the problem would be to wait until the lights are malfunctioning again and cut the red wire a few inches from the back of the controller. Test the red wire from the controller to see if there is power somehow back feeding to your vehicle. If so, this would indicate an issue with the controller itself and it should be replaced. The red wire should carry a signal to the brake controller, but not back out from it.
If you choose to replace your brake controller, I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller, part # 90885, and part # 3020-P. This is a proportional brake controller and when used with the plug-in adapter, part # 3020-P, the installation is easy. I have linked you to an installation video for this system.
