Tekonsha Brake Controller Received Overload Warning and Now Wont Turn on with 2003 Chevy Avalanche

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 with a Tekonsha digital display brake controller. The unit has worked fine with our trailer a 2015 Keystone Springdale. Last trip I noticed a Overload warning on the controller and soon after the unit went blank. Checked for 12 VDC power at the unit and found none. Checked at the Brown factory plug under the dash and had no 12 VDC. Checked for fuses under the hood but did not find anything for the brake controller. Any help where to look would be great.

asked by: Mitch H

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your Tekonsha brake controller, like the Prodigy P3 # 90195, was giving you an overload warning then that means you have a wiring issue somewhere on your 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche or your 2015 Keystone Springdale.

To find out which end it is on you will first need to get your brake controller working again try checking the fuse nearest the positive terminal in the fuse box under the hood (see attached picture) and make sure that it looks good. If it looks okay then you will want to check the wire on your Avalanche that corresponds to the Red wire coming from your brake controller. If there is a signal getting to it then you may need a new Pigtail # 7894 or Adapter # 3015-P depending on how the controller was installed. If you are getting power to the controller but it isn't turning on then you may need a new brake controller.

Regardless you will want to check the wiring on both your Avalanche and your trailer so that you don't keep overloading your brake controller. First look at the connector on your Avalanche and your trailer to make sure they are clean and free of debris. If that looks good then you will want to look at the wiring on both and see if there are any places where the wire for the brakes is damaged, corroded, bent, or exposed and replace it with 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5. You will also want to check all of your grounds to make sure they are secure and connected to a clean, bare metal surface.

I have also attached some helpful articles for you to check out.

Let me know if you are still having any issues and I can help you troubleshoot further if need be.