Troubleshooting P3 Brake Controller that Applies Light Braking All the Time
Question:
I have tried several test to find out why my electric brakes are not working. First I have tried 3 different trailers , one with single axle and the other have two. with the same out come. I can hear a slight noise from the brakes and a light braking. My Tekonsha Prodigy P3 shows voltage of over 10v going to the brakes. I have checked and added extra ground wires. I have checked the brake voltage on the trailer and it matches the P3. The P3 shows 11amps going to the brakes on the double axle and 5amps to the single. I just did a 10k mile trip and it work all the time. This just started a couple of weeks ago. Any idea?
asked by: Gordon
Expert Reply:
Sometimes brake controllers need a hard reset to clear out internal issues. Even the very reliable P3 part # 90195 can need this occasionally so I'd try unplugging it for a few seconds to let it reset and plug it back in. Hopefully that fixes it but not here are steps to troubleshoot and determine exact location of the problem.
Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.
If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.
If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.
If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.
I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Electric Trailer Brakes not Working
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: Does The Progressive Dynamics PD4655V Have A Lithium Jumper
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How to Wire a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Can An A-Frame Trailer Jack Be Wired To The 7-Pole Cable
- Q&A: Should Electric Trailer Brakes Have Continuity Between The Two Wires?
- Q&A: Troubleshooting EverChill 324-000119 12-Volt Refrigerator WD-282FWDC Not Cooling
- Q&A: Difference Between Dexter Axle Grease Seals 010-036-00 and 010-054-00
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Article: Testing Brake Controls
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes