Installing a RedArc Tow-Pro in a 2026 Honda Pilot
Updated 08/03/2026 | Published 07/25/2026
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Question:
I previously installed a RedArc Tow Pro on my Highlander 2020. It was recently stolen and I am buying a 2026 Pilot with a Genuine Honda hitch. I understand that Honda has made it easier by providing a 4-pin connector under the Dash. I see the kit that you offer for the Tow Pro Elite with the wire harness to connect it directly to the Honda Pilot brake controller connector. My question has to do with the manual override. When depressing the Redarc button, it overrides applying brake, this can be useful in case of sway. The brake controller also sends 12V back into the brake signal to turn on the brake lights without the brake pedal being depressed. On my Highlander I put a diode because this would confuse the ECM. On the Honda Pilot, did Honda engineer this connector so that it accepts the override without the need of a diode correctly lighting up the brake lights on the pilot during a manual override?
asked by: Bernard B
Expert Reply:
Thanks for your question Bernard. Sorry to hear about your previous vehicle. The # RED74CR would be the correct brake controller kit for your 2026 Honda Pilot. This will include the Tow-Pro as well as the harness specific to your vehicle. We haven't heard of a need to add a diode like # RED34FR when installing this brake controller on the Pilot. Toyota's brake light circuit and ECM monitoring is what necessitated the diode in many installations to prevent the manual override signal from feeding back into the brake pedal circuit and confusing the ECM. Honda's factory brake controller connector is designed for an aftermarket trailer brake controller and should provide the proper dedicated circuits.
So if you're installing the # RED74CR with the Honda-specific plug-and-play harness, I would install it as designed without adding a diode. If, during testing, you find that the brake lights do not illuminate during manual override (or you notice any unexpected warning messages), I'd certainly want to hear about it, but we have not found a diode to be necessary on the factory-equipped Honda brake controller connector.
What are you going to be towing with your new Pilot?
Expert Reply:
Thanks for your question Bernard. Sorry to hear about your previous vehicle. The # RED74CR would be the correct brake controller kit for your 2026 Honda Pilot. This will include the Tow-Pro as well as the harness specific to your vehicle. We haven't heard of a need to add a diode like # RED34FR when installing this brake controller on the Pilot. Toyota's brake light circuit and ECM monitoring is what necessitated the diode in many installations to prevent the manual override signal from feeding back into the brake pedal circuit and confusing the ECM. Honda's factory brake controller connector is designed for an aftermarket trailer brake controller and should provide the proper dedicated circuits.
So if you're installing the # RED74CR with the Honda-specific plug-and-play harness, I would install it as designed without adding a diode. If, during testing, you find that the brake lights do not illuminate during manual override (or you notice any unexpected warning messages), I'd certainly want to hear about it, but we have not found a diode to be necessary on the factory-equipped Honda brake controller connector.
What are you going to be towing with your new Pilot?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Redarc
more information >
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Matt
7/31/2026
I installed the same controller/harness in my 2026 Honda Pilot touring. Works as it should. I didn't need to add any extra diodes. Plug and play. One more note, I installed the controller remote dial in the plug blank to the left of the steering column, third plug blank in from the driver's door under the dash vent. The controller is mounted above the driver's left kick panel left of the dash. Had plenty of harness length.