How to test your Tow-Pro Elite
This information is applicable to the following Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers:
- Tow-Pro Elite V2 (EBRH-ACCV2)
- Tow-Pro Elite V3 (EBRH-ACCV3)
REQUIRED TOOLS:
- Incandescent globe or test light that has a 12V globe with a rating of 5 - 21W
Note: A multimeter or LED test light is not suitable as it does not supply sufficient load to the electric brake circuit to successfully test an electric brake system.
The Tow-Pro remote will illuminate once it detects connection to a trailer (or a load like a test light) and will illuminate one of the following colours/combinations on the remote head:
Green – User Control Mode
Blue – Proportional Mode
Green/blue Flash – Calibration mode
For testing, the Tow-Pro will need to be put into the green User Control mode.
If you need to change modes, refer to the user manual procedure seen below:
HOW TO TEST A TOW-PRO ELITE AT THE TRAILER PLUG?
Using an incandescent globe or test light, connect to the trailer plug earth (pin 3) and the service brake (pin 5).
Note: this simulates a load like a trailer with electric brakes attached.
HOW TO TEST THE TOW-PRO ELITE?
To test the Tow-Pro Elite, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see the test procedure guide below.
TESTING THE BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION
With the test light connected between pin 3 and pin 5 at the trailer plug, press and hold the brake pedal.
The dial colour will change from green to red light and the test light will illuminate.
Rotate the dial from 0 – 10 for a gradual increase in brightness on the globe/test light, this confirms correct operation of Tow-Pro.
Once normal operation is confirmed, the unit can be switched back to your preferred mode and adjusted to suit your application.
TEST THE OVERRIDE FUNCTION
With the test light connected between pin 3 and pin 5 at the trailer plug, press the override button by depressing the Tow-Pro remote.
The dial colour will change from green to red light and the test light will illuminate.
Rotate the dial from 0 – 10 whilst depressing the override in for a gradual increase in brightness on the globe/test light, this confirms correct operation of the Tow-Pro.
Note: To make this test procedure easier, a second person may be required.
HOW TO TEST THE TOW-PRO ELITE AT THE CONTROL MODULE
Connect the test light between blue and white wires of the 4-pin connector at the Tow-Pro module
Note: This can be achieved by either probing the wiring or back probing the 4-pin connector.
Once connected, the dial will illuminate and is now ready for testing.
Note: this can be achieved by probing the wiring or back probing the 4-pin connector.
For testing, the Tow-Pro will need to be put into the green User Control mode.
TESTING THE BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION
With the test light connected between blue and white wires at the Tow-Pro module, press and hold the brake pedal.
The dial colour will change from green to red light and the test light will illuminate.
Rotate the dial from 0 – 10 for a gradual increase in brightness on the globe/test light, this confirms correct operation of Tow-Pro.
Once normal operation is confirmed, the unit can be switched back to your preferred mode and adjusted to suit your application.
Note: To make this test procedure easier, a second person may be required.
TEST THE OVERRIDE FUNCTION
With the test light connected between blue and white wire at the Tow-Pro module, press the override button by depressing the Tow-Pro remote.
The dial colour will change from green to red light and the test light will illuminate.
Rotate the dial from 0 – 10 whilst holding the override in for a gradual increase in brightness on the globe/test light, this confirms correct operation of the Tow-Pro.
Note: To make this test procedure easier, a second person may be required.
WHAT IF THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION ON THE REMOTE?
If no illumination is present on the Tow-Pro remote, you may have a poor connection at the trailer plug or will need to check the power supply at the Tow-Pro module.
To test the power supply, locate the Tow-Pro module and test the power supply by connecting the test light between the black wire (B+) and the white wire (B-) at the Tow-Pro without disconnecting the module.
Note: The best way to do this test is either probe the wiring or back probe the 4pin connector.
Shown below as black (+) and white (-).
WHY TEST WITH A 21W BULB?
Tow-Pro Elite products with a serial number of #16060749 (June 2016) or later need to be tested with a 21w bulb rather than a 55w bulb. The Tow-Pro Elite will check for shorts on the trailer wiring and a cold 55W bulb has an initial “inrush” current as it first warms up that exceeds the trip point, and the Tow-Pro Elite will see this as an intermittent wiring short. While a hot 55W bulb is not likely to reach this trip point, it is best to use a 21W bulb. Products prior to this date have a slightly higher trip point.
Note: Using a multimeter or LED test light will not be suitable as it does not supply sufficient load to the electric brake circuit.
