Brake Lights Stay On - Need Suggestions

[jefffoxsr]

I came home today and when I turned off the truck. The brake controller lights started blinking and I heard a noise like a relay is going on and off. The noise stopped, but the brake lights on the truck are staying on. We haven't plugged in a trailer during the last 5 months.

I have disconnected the battery so it doesn't drain.

 

Any ideas of what to check?

 

Thanks.

[Zembonez]

I came home today and when I turned off the truck. The brake controller lights started blinking and I heard a noise like a relay is going on and off. The noise stopped, but the brake lights on the truck are staying on. We haven't plugged in a trailer during the last 5 months.

I have disconnected the battery so it doesn't drain.

 

Any ideas of what to check?

 

Thanks.

Maybe try disconnecting the brake controller power? Maybe it's going nuts?

[redvett]

Check the outlet on the hitch for a short.

[DofD]

Yeah, check the plug and wires to it for a short that would be confusing the brake controller.

[bill190]

I assume you are talking about an add-on trailer brake controller which sits under your dash?

 

Is the clicking noise coming from this?

 

If yes, these have a manual switch on them to activate the trailer brakes only. When this switch is activated, it may send voltage back out to your brake pedal brake light switch to turn on the brake lights.

 

So there could be a problem with that manual switch or the electronics inside which is making this activate. One common problem with electronic things are "bugs"! Critters, spiders, etc. A bug may have crawled inside and is shorting out something.

 

I would try operating the manual switch a few times as this may clean out anything which may have crawled into the opening and is shorting the circuits. If that does not work, try blowing into any openings with compressed air.

 

If that does not work and you are comfortable taking electronic things apart, take the controller apart and clean out with compressed air.

 

Another thing to verify is if the controller is causing the problem... These usually have a plug on the back you can remove. Try unplugging it to see if the problem goes away and the problem is in fact the controller.

 

Or could also be an electronic problem with the controller and it would need to be fixed or repaired. Before doing that, check all wiring to be sure nothing is shorting. Best to use a multi-meter.