Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Activates Truck Brake Lights Randomly

Question

Question:

brakes are coming on the trailer when brake pedal is not activated. When truck is not hooked to trailer brake lights come on I can hear the controller clicking. The truck is a 1997 Dodge Ram

asked by: Brian H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The problem is either the wiring of your brake controller or the brake controller itself has internal problems. What it sounds like is happening is that the stoplight switch of your brake controller (usually red) is backfeeding onto the brake light circuit of your 1997 Dodge Ram which is activating the brake lights of your truck.

This would indicate that the controller has shorted out and would need to be replaced. I attached an FAQ on brake controller installs for you to check out as well.

Otherwise you will want to verify that you have connected the red wire of the controller to the correct stoplight circuit. You want to make sure the wire is attached to a circuit that only sees voltage when the brakes are applied and none when released.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

Hey M, thanks for reaching out! Since you aren't seeing wires like what we show in the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller #RED44FR install video on a 2019 Ford Ranger, are you seeing a plug anywhere? The wiring is tucked up pretty far into the…

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Answer 2

Thank you for your purchase directly from etrailer of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller #RED44FR. I can only guess as to the issue but can give you a bit of direction; when you disconnect the controller from your Colorado do the brake lights…

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Answer 3

In regards to the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller part ##RED24FR, the unit should not be illuminated while driving without a trailer. If you press the button while a trailer is not attached you should see a breathing blue light and that…

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Answer 4

Hey Larry. The Redarc Liberty #RED24FR Won't light up with the brake pedal if no trailer is hooked up, or if you are sitting still. It's a proportional controller so it needs to detect movement. You really need to hook up your camper to…

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Answer 5

The brake controller plug is located behind the coin tray that's just to the left of the HVAC controls on your 2021 Ford Super Duty. I've shown the location with some photos, and you can also see the location in the linked installation video.…

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Answer 6

It looks like your 2018 Jayco Redhawk 29xk was built on a E-450 cab and chassis. The Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter item #22292 will plug into a port behind the instrument cluster finish panel in the center of the dash on the driver's side. I…

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Answer 7

For your 2022 Ford E-450 cutaway chassis the correct Tekonsha brake controller install harness is actually the part #22292. This is why what you have doesn't look like it would work with the 3035-P.

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Answer 8

The pins of your 2021 Ford E-450 do actually match the pin out of the #22292 which is also known sometimes as the 3036 so yes this would be the correct harness. You also could repin what you have now so that you could get on the road quickly.…

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Answer 9

It seems like you may have the incorrect wiring connector and the harness in the photo is not the correct fit. For your 2015 Lincoln Navigator, the correct wiring adapter is #22292 for your Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195. If you have the factory 7-way or…

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Answer 10

Yes we have the Prodigy P2 part #90885 which would be a really excellent choice for a brake controller for your 2017 Ford E-450 with the install harness part #22292 and you'd be set. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount…

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Answer 11

The distance from the end of the spindle to the face of the brake flange on the #84 E-Z Lube Spindle w/ Brake Flange #TRU74FR is 5-3/8". See the diagram below which shows this measurement.

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Answer 12

It sounds like you installed the red wire in the correct location, however the ABS brake light on your dash seems to contradict that. I recommend retesting the switch where you connected the red wire of your brake controller. There not only should be…

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Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Activates Truck Brake Lights Randomly

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