Why is my Tow-Pro flashing yellow and two purple?

This information is applicable to the following Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers:

• Tow-Pro Elite V2 (EBRH-ACCV2)
• Tow-Pro Elite V3 (EBRH-ACCV3)
• Tow-Pro Classic (EBRHV2)

HOW WILL THIS APPEAR?

The Tow-Pro remote head will display a yellow light with two consecutive flashes of purple. 

WHAT DOES YELLOW AND TWO PURPLE FLASHES MEAN?

This flash code means that there is an inadequate connection between the Tow-Pro main unit and the trailer’s braking system.

CAN I STILL TOW WITH THIS FAULT?

Whist the Tow-Pro will attempt to brake the trailer, the braking performance will be affected. It is recommended to avoid towing until the fault can be rectified.

WHAT CAUSES THE YELLOW AND TWO PURPLE FLASHING FAULT?

This fault is indicating the Tow-Pro is sensing a connection to a trailer braking system however the connection is poor.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS FAULT?

To determine the cause of this poor connection, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see below a list of the common causes and repairs.

A. Dirty, corroded or under tensioned pins on trailer plug (trailer) and base (vehicle)

1. Ensure pins are clean and not bent inwards (male pins on the trailer side of the plug).

2. Use a product such as RP7 or WD40 to clean the pins if corroded dirty and use a small flat blade screwdriver to help straighten any bent pins.

3. Re-connect the trailer plug to base and check to see if fault code is still being displayed.

B. Loose or disconnected wires in the trailer plug (trailer) and trailer base (vehicle)

1. Remove the covers from both the plug and the base to facilitate access. If necessary, detach the trailer base from its vehicle mount.

2. Carefully inspect all the wiring to confirm that the wires are clean and securely fastened beneath the connection screws.

3. Pay particular attention to pin 5 (Blue Output Wire that connects the Tow-Pro unit to the trailer electric brakes) and pin 3 (earth pin).

4. Re-assemble covers and refit base to vehicle, connect trailer plug to base and check for Tow-Pro remote LED activation.

C. Poor connection of electric brake wiring in the trailer

The electric brake wire originates from pin 5 of the trailer plug and extends to each individual brake on the trailer's wheels. This involves connecting one wire to multiple points, which can be achieved through soldering or the use of a connection terminal or block.

1. Trace the wiring from the trailer's electric brakes (wires emerging from the brake drums) by working backward to locate the connection point. This might entail removing any insulating sleeving or tape.
2. Examine for indications of an inadequate connection, such as corrosion or poorly executed soldering.
3. If necessary, eliminate the problematic connection point and re-establish the connection either by soldering or using a new connection block.
4. If required re-insulated wiring with tape or heat shrink and check if fault code is still being displayed.