Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller Single Red Light When Pressing Brake Pedal

Updated 08/29/2023 | Published 08/26/2023

Question:

I have the curt spetrum brake controller. When I plug it into my rv the green calibration lights go on then there is nothing. When I press the breaks there is one single red light. What is wrong ? It is one red light on the left side. No lights come on when attempting to manually do it. To add, I had my other truck plugged in and my trailer connected to that brake control.

asked by: Becky

Expert Reply:

I reached out to Curt who informed me the single red light on your Curt Spectrum Brake Controller # C51170 indicates there is an issue in the wiring for your vehicle going to the trailer. This could still mean the controller itself is faulty. A bench test is going to be the best way to verify the issue. By connecting the controller directly to a 12 volt battery and using a 12 volt incandescent light bulb to act as the load/trailer you will be able to test the override function. With this being a proportional controller it will not feel the inertia of braking so connecting the red brake wire will not allow the brakes to activate when bench testing. If the controller operates as normal you then know there is a wiring issue. If you still have the same issue you know the controller is faulty and if still under warranty you will want to contact either Curt or the company you purchased the controller from to begin the warranty process.

expert reply by: Bud M