Brake Controller Error Message?

Hi all,

Maybe you could help me. I just installed Reese Towpower 8508211 Brake control in my 2013 DCLB with tow package. I used Reese Towpower 78055 brake control wiring harness to connect the brake controller to the factory pigtail up under the dash. I've added screenshots of the parts.

Here is a picture of the finished install. The illuminated decimal point troubles me. According to the manual, the decimal being on indicates that the red wire is connected to the wrong side of the stoplight switch. I don't understand how this could be since I used the adapter harness, and I didn't have to tap or splice anything.


I pick up our trailer on Wednesday so I can't connect to anything to see if it actually works. Have any of you guys used this brake controller? Have you had any issues with it? Have you encountered this "error"?

I'd be grateful for anything you could offer. Thanks!

 

Seems if you're using the double connector harness, you couldn't be hooked up wrong. I have a Tekonsha, and have two dots lit; it's just to show you have power. Are you sure that dot shows a mis-connection when there's no trailer attached?

 

Honestly no, I'm not 100% sure. It's only this description from the manual leads me to believe there's a problem.

 

I’m not sure how to fix, must be a factory mis wire somewhere, I have the same controller and the decimal is only lit when the brakes are applied.

I bought this one because it fits snugly in the cubby hole above where you mounted it if you cut the back out of the cubby

 

Pics of the install? I know where the OP mounted it would drive me crazy.

 

What is the display for "nothing hooked up?"
(As in: the trailer ain't there yet)

 

With the manual trans I didn’t want a controller hanging Down where my knee could hit it

 

Mine is a blank screen, and when I press the brakes that red dot appears telling me that the controller sees an input from the truck but there’s no trailer so it doesn’t have a reading

 

That's pretty slick! Do you leave it open to see the controller or close it while driving?

 

For the same reason of it being in the way, I close it during normal driving but if I’m hooked up to a trailer with brakes I leave it open in case I need to adjust it or use the manual engagement for any reason.

I cut the back of that cubby tight enough that it’s not even screwed in, but I doesn’t move at all. I was surprised how well it turned out. I copied it from another member on here (sorry whoever it was, I can’t remember who or where I saw it)

 

I worried about this too. But the brake controller is small enough that it never gets anywhere near my leg.

 

So....I'm not sure I have an error after all. Once I got back home and read the manual that actually came with it, it has a different troubleshooting table and does not list the decimal being illuminated as a problem at all. I finally connected my trailer to the truck and it seems to be functioning normally. Is it possible I got a newer model of this brake controller that has subtle differences?

 

I guess it’s possible although I only bought it about a month ago.

So you’re saying that the decimal point is always on for you? What does it look like when you press the brakes with no trailer attached?

Maybe mine isn’t wired right
I haven’t had a chance to try mine out yet ​

 

There's no change when I press the brakes and the trailer isn't attached. I connect the trailer and press the brakes and it seems to work normal.

 

Strange that ours act different, but if it work when hooked up then I wouldn’t worry about it

Hopefully mine works too whenever I get to use it

 

I came to this thread because I too, have an unusual display that isn't documented. I just plugged it in, and it shows 2 dots. They won't go away. Even with the engine off.

 

Hi, I have an ER error code, I can't find any error code explanations?