Troubleshooting Open Ground Error Code on Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller

Question

Question:

I installed the Tekonsha P3 brake controller about a year about and have had no problems until now. I recently got in to move the my truck and trailer and had the open ground error message. The weird thing is that when i push the brake pedal this message goes away and the trailer brakes work but as soon as I take my foot off the message comes back. I have checked the ground wire from the controller to the battery. The wire is run directly to the engine block to the same terminal as the battery and also checked to ensure there was no resistance in the wire. Is there anything else I should check or does it sound like my brake controller is toast?

asked by: Brad

0

Expert Reply:

The owner's manual for the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 states 4 possible causes of a "NO Trailer Connection!" warning: the trailer is not connected to the tow vehicle, the trailer is connected with an open circuit on the brake line, the trailer connector came disconnected or is corroded, or the trailer brake magnet has a bad ground. First thing I would try is unplugging the controller for several seconds to allow it to reset.

You will want to ensure that all the wires are secure at their pins on the inside of the connector. If you have not replaced the trailer end connector, you will want to check the connections in that connector as well.

If the connectors aren't the issue, I recommend checking the trailer brake magnet's ground wire for any tears or damages. If each of the brake magnets are grounded to the frame, I recommend running them to the main trailer ground.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The open ground error that the P3 is displaying means it has lost its ground connection to the vehicle battery. This could be a faulty ground inherent in the wiring on the vehicle where the harness plugs in. To see if that is the issue you can…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Brake magnets are made to fit their specific brake assemblies. They are not made to be interchangeable between brake sizes or weight capacities. Some manufacturers do use different color magnet wires that correspond to the capacity. We know that…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The difference between sensitivity and max output for the Curt Echo brake controller part #C51180 is that max output is the max braking power the controller would put out if it felt like it needed to apply them as hard as possible. So this needs to…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Curt has a recommended setup procedure outlined for the Curt Echo part #C51180 that is outlined in their install instructions for this controller but since not all trailer brakes apply the same way there isn't a standard setting you can use that…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I am not entirely sure what process you took so I'll give you some other things to try, or maybe a different way to test the Prodigy P3 #90195. First, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use a circuit tester…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Assuming your trailer has brakes, you may still need a brake controller. GM started putting factory brake controllers in their trucks and SUVs in 2007, but it was an option. The factory brake controller did not come standard with the tow package. If…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The brake controller port on a 2021 Ford F-150 (if equipped) will be located behind the coin tray in the center console. This will be accessed by removing the panel under the steering wheel. I have attached a video which shows this below. For a brake…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hey Erik, thanks for reaching out! We can definitely get you to the #ETBC7 kit building off of your Curt Trailer Connector Adapter #C57672. What you need is the Wiring Kit #5506 which has everything else in it aside from the circuit tester. If you…

view full answer...

Answer 12

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

view full answer...