Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller on 2003 Dodge Ram Stays On All the Time

Question:

Is the unit supposed to turn off when ignition switch is off? I installed in an 03foot dodge ram. Using the specific adapter for plug n playinch no splicing. And it stays on all the time.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

No, a brake controller, in this case the P3, # 90195, does not turn off right away when you turn off your 2003 Dodge Ram. It will remain on for several more minutes. After it has sensed no movement or power draw from the trailer it will go into a kind of sleep mode.

If you turn off the truck and walk away then come back in 15 minutes the display should be off. Moving the truck by opening the door could wake it back up though.

If it is staying on all the time and never going into its power saving mode then there is something drawing power. The likely culprits are a dirty or corroded trailer connector that is causing a short. Or faulty wiring or shorting brake magnets.

To determine where the problem is you can unplug the trailer and if the controller still never turns off then it is a problem on the truck side. If it does turn off then it is a problem on the trailer side.

Make sure the truck and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion. Check the wiring on the trailer for any pinched or frayed wires. You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through then they will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked to the right.

expert reply by: Michael H