Why is my Tow-Pro flashing yellow and two red?
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 red.
WHAT DOES YELLOW AND TWO RED FLASHES MEAN?
This flash code indicates a fault where the Tow-Pro has detected that the brake trigger wire (red) is directly connected to ground (earth).
WHAT IS THE BRAKE TRIGGER WIRE?
The Tow-Pro brake trigger wire taps into the vehicle’s brake light circuit.
This serves two purposes in the function of the Tow-Pro:
- Provides a positive voltage signal back to the Tow-Pro when the vehicle’s brakes are being applied.
- Allows the Tow-Pro to power up the brake lights on the trailer when the manual override is being activated.
CAN I STILL TOW WITH THIS FAULT?
It is recommended to avoid towing when this fault code is detected, as the Tow-Pro might experience a loss of power supply, resulting in no trailer braking.
WHAT CAUSES THIS FAULT?
To determine the cause of this fault, it will require diagnostic testing and REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see below a list of the common causes and repairs.
COMMON CAUSES OF THE 'FLASHING YELLOW AND TWO RED' FAULT?
A. Inadequately secured or loose wiring in the trailer plug (on the trailer) and the base (on the vehicle)
When there are strands of the brake trigger wire that are protruding or if the wiring is not securely fastened within the trailer plug, there is a likelihood that the wires may have come into contact with each other.
- Remove the covers from both the trailer plug and the trailer base to facilitate access. If necessary, detach the trailer base from its vehicle mount.
- Carefully inspect all the wiring to confirm that the wires are securely fastened beneath the connection screws and that there are no lose wires are present.
- Pay particular attention to pin 5 (electric brake wire connecting Tow-Pro to trailer braking system) and pin 3 (earth pin).
- Reassemble the trailer plug covers and refit the trailer base to vehicle. Connect the trailer plug to the trailer base. Reset the Tow-Pro by pressing the override / SwayStop button and check if fault code is still being displayed.
B. Worn through or compressed Tow Pro trigger wire
When a section of the Tow-Pro's brake trigger wire insulation is compromised, and the internal wire strands are exposed resulting in contact with a metal part on either the vehicle or the trailer.
- Locate the Tow-Pro Main unit (usually mounted under the dashboard)
- Follow the red wire coming out of Tow Pro’s main unit 4 pin power harness.
- Identify any areas where this wire may have been compressed or worn through the insulation meeting a metal part of the vehicle/trailer.
- If any damage is discovered, assess the extent of the wire damage, and make necessary repairs. Insulate the wire and eliminate the potential for future occurrences.