How Does Brake Controller Unplug from Vehicle to Prevent Battery Draw

Question

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

0

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

0

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.

Answer 1

By all accounts the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 works well and is easy to use and install on most vehicles. It is a brand new item so not a lot of feedback has come in on it. I did learn a few things though after speaking with our…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hey Michelle! There are definitely a lot of different weight distribution hitch (WDH) options out there. The most important thing is to make sure it is properly rated for the tongue weight of your setup. Looking at the specs for the 2022 Keystone…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You can indeed test a trailer's electric drum brakes by directly applying +12V power from a fully-charged battery. You can apply this power to the hot contact on the trailer's plug (see photo please) or to an individual brake assembly's…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Generally, switching to a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway built in is going to provide a much better towing experience; you're also going to find that these combined systems like the Fastway E2 #FA94-00-0600 will allow you to backup…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Both the Curt Spectrum #C51170 and the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite #RED44FR are excellent brake controller options for your 2016 Audi Q5 but in comparison I recommend going with the Tow-Pro Elite over the Spectrum. Although both controllers can be used as…

view full answer...

Answer 6

I have added a link near the bottom of this page with the instructions for the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170. When not connected to a trailer and pressing on the brakes you should see 2 blue lights flash on each side of the control…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Curt Spectrum Brake Controller #C51170 should illuminate, even if the trailer is not connected. If you are getting no lights at all, this likely means the control unit is mis wired, or there is contamination in the trailer plug socket. We…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Gary, the brake controllers like the part #TK90160 that you referenced do not require a relay installed between them and the trailer brake assemblies. They will power the brakes directly via the brake output circuit.

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Art, we can help but we don't have a ball mount that has the ball pre-installed and torqued in the configuration you are wanting. So you would want to start with a ball mount that has a 4 inch rise like the TowSmart #TS78FR and then add a 2…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The Curt RockerBall Anti-Rattle Towing Kit #C43KR takes the additional height of the base of the RockerBall into account for the listed 4" rise and 5" drop. I have attached an image below showing how it is measured. Typically, you find the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Yes, there is another option to add a brake controller to your Sierra. Since you have the factory tow package, I recommend the Curt Echo In-Line Wireless Brake Controller item #C79DR. The controller plugs in behind your 7-way with included…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Yes, you are going to need to get the additional wiring to install the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller #RED44FR in your 2016 Porsche Cayenne. This harness, which you can read about in the linked help article describing what you need to…

view full answer...

How Does Brake Controller Unplug from Vehicle to Prevent Battery Draw

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching