Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Only Works When Headlights On and Applies Brakes Gas Pedal
Question:
I have installed a P3 controller in a 2001 Suburban 2500. The controller will not work without turning the lights on. Then, when the lights are on, the brakes start to be applied when the gas pedal is pushed. What would cause this?
asked by: Gordie F
Expert Reply:
That is quite the bizarre problem you are having with your brake controller. The problem has to be how the controller is wired to your 2001 Chevy Suburban.
If you used a quick install harness like the # 3025-P my first reaction would be that the pin out of the connector is wrong, or you accidentally used a # 3015-P which uses the same connector but has a different pin out.
I attached a picture of what the pin out should look like. You can test the pins of the port on your vehicle with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to verify the circuits of the port.
The red wire of the harness should go to a port with 12 volts only when brakes are applied.
The black wire should see 12 volts all the time.
White wire is ground.
Blue wire is the brake output that carries brake signal to your brakes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When Headlights Get Turned On
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2003 Chevrolet Silverado When Trailer Brakes Dont Work
- Q&A: Brake Controller Turning On Brake Lights When Car is off and Draining Car Battery
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Search Results: stabilizer towing bars
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution - WD Only - RE44FR
- Shop: Shocker Hitch Air 2-Ball Mount w/ Sway Control Tabs - 2-1/2" Hitch - 3-1/2" Drop - 12K
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 11,500 lbs GTW, 1,150 lbs TW
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Hanger Kit for Slipper Springs and 38 inch Wheelbase
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2019 Jeep Wrangler
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Trailer Brake Controller
