Brake Controller Turning On Brake Lights When Car is off and Draining Car Battery
Updated 01/29/2020 | Published 03/08/2010 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can you advise us as to whether the unit can be adjusted as it applies the brake lights even when parked in garage causing the battery to go flat and also cancels the cruise control on car even without a van on? . It has had this fault since it was fitted.
asked by: Derek T
Expert Reply:
It sounds like the unit was wired incorrectly. The white wire is a ground wire and should be connected to a suitable ground connection on the vehicle. The blue wire is the output wire that sends power to the trailer brakes when they need to be activated. The red wire should be connected to a stop light circuit. Typically, this is connected to one of the brake light switch wires at the top of your vehicle brake pedal. The black wire should be connected directly to the vehicle battery for a power source.
It seems like the red wire is connected to an incorrect wire as well as the blue wire. Use a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to find out what wires your brake controller is currently connected to, and which wires it should be connected to. I have also added a link to the instructions for this brake controller.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: access door
- Q&A: Why Would Brake Controller Cause Vehicle Brake Lights to Periodically Come On
- Shop: LED Mini Side Marker and Clearance Light - Submersible - Oblong - Amber - Clear Lens
- Shop: Lippert In-Wall RV Slide-Out Motor
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 3-1/8" Lift
- Search Results: k71~629~00
- Shop: Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 2717 - Chrome Plated (Pair)
- Search Results: mcl14cagb
- Search Results: jensen radio
- Shop: Optronics Mini Side Marker and Clearance Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Clear Lens w/ Red LEDs
- Shop: Snap-on, Polished Chrome Ring for MCL13 Series LED Lights
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 4,400-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: tail lights
- Search Results: k71~630~00
- Search Results: bb2717
- Shop: Vehicle Seat Covers
- Q&A: Why Does My Brake Controller Light Stay On After Vehicle is Turned Off
- Q&A: Troubleshooting a Draw Tite Activator Brake Controller part # 5504 that Only Displays a Dot
- Q&A: Brake Lights Stay on With Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator IV # 5504 that Displays only Decimal Point
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller
- Q&A: The Red Light on the Draw-Tite Activator Stays Lit on a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement

Nick H.
1/28/2020
Hi, I have had a Primus brake controller the past 9 years. I have noticed sever times recently it causes my car brake lights to stay on and battery go flat. Can controller be repaired or do I need to replace? Thanks nick