Redarc Brake Controller Causing Brake Lights to Stay On After Hardwired Installation Troubleshooting

Question

Question:

I ordered a redarc brake controller how do I get a replacement there is a short in the controller causing brake lights to stay on 100 of the time

asked by: Eric R

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Eric,

I can definitely understand why you'd suspect the controller part # RED57AR when the brake lights are staying on all the time. That's not something you want to see, especially when it can leave you wondering about battery drain or what else might be going on with the wiring.

Before we jump to replacing the controller, I'd take a close look at the red trigger wire connection. Redarc is pretty specific about this wire. It needs to be connected to a circuit that has no voltage when the brake pedal is released and only receives power when the brake pedal is pressed. If that wire ends up connected to a constant power source or the hot side of the brake switch, the controller can think the brakes are being applied all the time, which can cause the brake lights to stay on.

The reason I mention that is because wiring issues are much more common than an internal failure in a Redarc controller. Since your controller was hardwired, I'd start there before going through the warranty process.

One quick thing I'd be curious about is whether the brake lights go back to normal when the controller is unplugged. That will tell us a lot about whether we're chasing a wiring issue or if the controller itself needs further attention.

What do you usually tow with your setup, a camper, boat, or cargo trailer?

expert reply by: Heather A

0

Answer 1

Hey Ryan, welcome back! A brake controller will cover anything with brakes and then you will also need a ball mount. The #C57DR you were looking at will work, but you don't really need all of that. The sway bar would be a permanent addition to a…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Great question, Kevin. No, you’re not locked into using your phone. The Tow-Pro Link brake controller #RED57AR comes with a physical USB-powered remote that gives you full control over braking force, mode selection, and the manual override button…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Ryan, since Tekonsha is no longer in business we can't get the P3 or the install harnesses for it any longer but we can still help with a brake controller. I really like the Redarc Tow Pro Link part #RED57AR which installs by plugging inline…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Hey John! The Curt Echo #C51180 works with any vehicle that has a 7-way. It looks like the factory tow package for your 2026 Lincoln Aviator includes a 7-way so it will be compatible. If you're wanting a wireless controller, I would also consider…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Jim, welcome back! Sorry for the confusion but the Redarc Tow Pro Link part #RED57AR DOES fit your 2023 Chevy Traverse. This basically fits any vehicle with an active 7-way like what you have and also will integrate into the CarPlay dash display…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hey Jack! An aluminum frame can be tricky when it comes to a weight distribution hitch (WDH) with sway control. The first thing you need to do is reach out to inTech and see if a WDH can be used on their trailers. Some manufacturers allow it, some do…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey there Brianna, the Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller #RED57AR can be mounted just about anywhere in the cab where there is a hard surface like plastic or vinyl. Most mount it on the dash or center console area. The nice thing about…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It sure will Hans and congrats on the new Outback! The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller item #RED57AR is going to work great with your 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Since you have the factory tow package, all you'll need to do is…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Don! The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller #RED57AR will fit your 2025 Transit with the factory tow package. Sometimes our listings get confusing, especially with brake controllers. It shows up that way because it doesn't have a…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Josh, since you're using a plug and play harness #RED39FR there shouldn't be a whole lot of riff raff to use it so the only thing I can think of is that either you have a faulty harness or that there is a blown fuse somewhere that needs…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Thanks for reaching out, Brad! Yes, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller with Custom Harness #RED53CR is compatible with your 2026 Infiniti QX80. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a factory tow setup, you’ll also need the Relay Kit #C57000…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Redarc Brake Controller Causing Brake Lights to Stay On After Hardwired Installation Troubleshooting

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching