Troubleshooting No Trailer Brakes with Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Installed on 2020 Subaru Ascent

Updated 07/26/2022 | Published 07/24/2022

Question:

I installed a tow pro on a Subaru 2020 ascent, doesn’t seem to detect the trailer? Any suggestions? All wiring looks ok.

asked by: Chris N

Expert Reply:

Is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR not sending power back to your trailer brakes or is the LED not working at all?

If the LED isn't working then that could indicate a few things, one of them being there is a bad connection to the trailer, but if it isn't sending power back to your trailer brakes there's a few things to check.

The first thing is how exactly are you applying the brakes? If you're sitting still and hitting your brake pedal then that won't apply the brakes in proportional mode because the unit needs to sense movement to send the power otherwise it thinks you're at a stop (which you are) and there isn't a need for the brakes to be applied.

If you're moving and the brakes aren't working or if you're using the manual override and you aren't getting brake power then you'll want to text the brake output pin on the 7-Way of your 2020 Subaru Ascent to make sure power is getting back there when you use the manual override. If it is then the issue is a bad connection on your trailer side. If it isn't then the issue is between the brake controller and your 7-Way and you'll want to test the blue wire about 6" back from the controller to see if power exists when using the override.

Let me know if you're still having issues and I can help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Jon G