Primus IQ Brake Controller Intermittently Detects Trailer

Question:

Hello, I had to cut off the old 7 pin adapter on my trailer and wire in a new one as it was not working lights werent coming on. All of the lights and turn signals work fine but unfortunately the brake controller only detects the trailer intermittently now. I can see from the adapter that I wired in that it is sending power to the trailer brakes. The brake controller will sometimes not always detect the trailer for a few seconds as soon as I turn the truck on and start moving but then will revert to the two dots stating it has power but no trailer is connected. Any ideas? Thanks,

asked by: Travis M

Expert Reply:

If your Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 is intermittently showing your trailer is not connected that means the draw on the brake controller output wire is not enough to show a connection.

Since you did say that you tested and there is power going out, so I suspect your vehicle side connector has corrosion or debris that is causing this issue. You will want to thoroughly clean it using sandpaper and it is a good idea to use dielectric grease # 11755 on your connectors as well, which helps prevent corrosion.

Another thing you want to check out is a potential short so be sure to go through all the wiring on your trailer and check to ensure none is frayed, crimped or otherwise damaged.

expert reply by: Kyle S