Primus Brake Controller Keeps Braking After Releasing Brake Pedal on 2008 Chevy Silverado

Question:

Hi! I have 2008 chevy silverado 3500 HD with tekonsha primus cequent brake controller. Everything worked fine, but last year have the problem that the brake controller keeps braking after release the brake pedal so i have to push or kick the brake pedal up so then it goes back to 0 value when not braking. Before it happened only sometimes but now i have to do it all the time after touching the brake pedal. Last month got even worse that the brake controller starts braking on its own even without touching the brake pedal, it starts giving different values and only way to stop it is to push or even keep the brake pedal pushed with my left foot up. Sometimes it helped to play with the sensor setting for more aggressive or delayed but this trick doesnt work anymore. Do you think replacement of the controller wil fix it? Thanks!

asked by: Livia

Expert Reply:

Does your 2008 Chevy Silverado have adjustable pedals by any chance? I am just wondering if something in the pedal got loose and caused it to drop even a little then that would make the controller think that you are stepping on the brake pedal.

There could also be a short where the brake controller is wired into the tow package wiring on the truck. Follow the red wire to where it is connected to the truck. You may need to make a new connection with that red wire and the wire it is attached to.

If you were to disconnect that red wire and the problem stops then it is an input problem either externally as described above or internally with the controller itself. If it is external then changing the brake controller won't help. If it is internal then removing the brake controller will remove the short.

If you go with a different controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I have included some links on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H