How Does Brake Controller Unplug from Vehicle to Prevent Battery Draw

Updated 01/22/2025 | Published 01/20/2025

Question:

I suspect the brake controller is drawing down my battery. How do I disconnect the brake controller without disturbing all other lights?

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

Hey Joe, while I don't know what brake controller you have you should be able to unplug it from the back of the brake controller and that would accomplish what you are wanting. What brake controller do you have?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Joe D.

1/21/2025

Jameson, I believe I have a Curt Spectrum 51170. That is off the booklet that was in the glove box when I bought the truck. Thank you for your help Joe D

Jameson C.

1/21/2025

@JoeD Gotcha, So you would need to find where the module of the Spectrum is and unplug it from the vehicle. It is probably under the dash somewhere. It will have four wires coming out of it that are white, red, blue, and black. There also will be an orange Curt logo on it. If I could upload a picture I would but heres a link to a page that has a picture of the module: https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/pics/c/5/c51170_39_1000.jpg

Joe D.

1/22/2025

@JamesonC I found the module. I unplugged it and now I have a check engine on. I will take it to the auto parts store and see if they can plug in and find out why. Any other suggestions? Joe D

Jameson C.

1/22/2025

@JoeD That is really odd for that to happen. If you plug it back in does the light go right back off? That is really odd but I would be curious what code is popping. The code that they show shouldn't be taken at face value though. Like the code is just where a problem is found and does not mean that particular thing needs to be replaced.