Testing Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Controller that Only Shows 14

Question:

Having trouble getting settings for the amount off brake power, only the number 14 coming up on the power display and brakes not working and cannot adjust too any other setting.

asked by: Graeme B

Expert Reply:

Your brake controller # TK90160 could be detecting a short somewhere that is constantly drawing the same amount of power. Or there could be a problem inside of the controller. There are some test you can do to determine where the problem is. But first, make sure that the controller is mounted within the range specified in the instructions and that it is not tilted or turned to one side.

In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces for the magnets and the main trailer connector ground. An open ground on the trailer could cause this problem.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.