Troubleshooting Short to Battery Error on a 90195 Tekonsha P-3 Brake Controller

Question:

I have a P3 controller that was just installed in a 2000 Dodge 3/4 ton. It will work for a little while but will stop working and show a code of Short to Battery. Once unhooked it does the same thing over again. The previous controller worked in the truck, but we wanted to upgrade to a newer unit. It shows that it is getting 12.75 volts to it and the grounds are good. If you can point us in the right direction that would be appreciated. Thank you

asked by: Mike S

Expert Reply:

If you are receiving the error intermittently, the most likely culprit is a short, meaning a crimped or exposed section on the power lead wire, which runs from the brake controller to your positive battery terminal. While the vehicle is in motion, any exposed point on this wire could come in contact with a metal surface and cause a short in the system.

Follow the black 12v power wire from the brake controller into the engine compartment, and make sure that you cover any exposed areas that might be touching metal and causing a false ground. If you installed the ground wire to the frame of the vehicle, move it to the negative battery terminal.

If you could provide a little more information on the setup you have on the 2000 Dodge 2500, I would be glad to look into this further for you. Did your truck have a factory 7-Way plug installed, or was it installed aftermarket? Did you hard wire the brake controller, or use a plug in wiring adapter like part # 3020-P?

You can view some additional information on wiring for a brake controller at the links below.

expert reply by: Sarah L