Troubleshooting Random Lights on Curt Spectrum Brake Controller
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/11/2025
Question:
I have the curt spectrum controller, worked fine for over a year, then started to dimly light up random lights around the dial, now it is flashing green around the knob. All of this happens with no trailer hooked up. How do I correct this? It is very distracting and very bright during nighttime driving.
asked by: Riley
Expert Reply:
Hey Riley! Based on what you're describing with the random lights and flashing green it sounds like your Curt Spectrum # C51170 has an internal issue. Green flashing isn't even part of the troubleshooting guide and since you aren't hooked up to a trailer it wouldn't be ramping up green to try to calibrate. Since the brake controller has a limited lifetime warranty I would reach out to Curt to see if you can get a replacement.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Multiple Trailers
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: curt 51515
- Video: Replacement Knob Assembly for Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Review
- Shop: Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers
- Shop: Replacement Knob Assembly for Curt Spectrum Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Flashing Lights on Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Shop: Curt LED 5-Way Flat Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Shop: Curt LED 4-Way Flat Connector (Vehicle End) Tester
- Q&A: Should Curt Spectrum Brake Controller Have Lights on Display Without Trailer Connected
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Output and Sensitivity Adjustment
- Shop: Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Shop: Curt Universal Wiring Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: What to Know About the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Trailer Brake Controller
Robin H.
10/30/2025
Hey Riley, were you able to get in touch with Curt about your Spectrum brake controller replacement? Knowing what they did to resolve the flashing lights could help others with the same issue.