OL Error Code on P3 Brake Controller Towing Skyline Nomad Travel Trailer with 2011 Nissan Titan

Question

Question:

We purchased the Tekonsha P-3 brake controller from etrailer a couple of weeks ago. We installed it in our 2011 Nisan Titan to control the brakes on a 2007 Skyline Nomad Travel Trailer. Everything seems to work properly until you are slowing down to come to a stop and have your foot on the brake pedal constantly. We get readings on the screen at first but then it goes to the red screen with the Warning Overload no brakes. This is when we feel the trailer is being totally stopped by the truck not by the trailer breaks. Called Tekonsha and they said their is a overload in the brake circuit on the trailer and to take it for service. When we called a service center they want to totally disassemble the breaks and axles and charge a lot of money. Is there something you are familiar with that we can look for or do ourselves. Something we can troubleshoot in the connections with the camp trailer? Tekonsha didnt seem real helpful in their troubleshooting.

asked by: Raini

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Expert Reply:

Although there can be many things that would cause you to read an Overload error code on your P3, I will run through the most common culprits for you that will be pretty easy to check.

If you can try the controller out with another trailer, you can quickly and easily determine if the problem exists with the controller and the tow vehicle or with the trailer itself.

Typically, the overload error code is caused by a short circuit in the circuit that carries the brake output voltage from the brake controller to the trailer brakes. First, closely examine the trailer connector on the vehicle and on the trailer itself. Make sure the connectors are not damaged and that the pins and sockets of the connectors are free of corrosion. Any white or green corrosion might have spread to the interior of the connector to the terminals where the wiring attaches to the connector. If this corrosion builds up over time, it can short out to an adjacent terminal.

Carefully examine the brake output circuit on the trailer, which is typically a blue wire. Trace the wire from the connector all the way back to the brake assemblies, looking for loose connections, pinched wires and worn or cracked wire insulation that would allow the copper conductor to short out to the trailer frame. Check the wiring connections at each brake magnet. Each brake magnet will have two wires exiting it. One wire should be securely grounded to the trailer frame, the other should connect to the brake output wire.

If you check what I mentioned above and do not locate the problem, get back with me and we will explore some other options. If you use the provided link, you can see a brake controller troubleshooting FAQ article that you'll likely find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

If the display on your Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller, part #5504, shows the letters OL,or Overload Code, that is an indication that there is a short in the Blue wire circuit. The Blue wire supplies power from the controller back to the trailer…

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Answer 2

The first error code, SH, you are seeing on the Prodigy Brake Controller (instructions linked below) means the brake wire sees a short circuit during idle condition. The second code, OL, indicates an overload condition during operation. For the first…

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Answer 3

The 89-inch/3500-lb axle kit #e43SR, for example, includes electric drum brake assemblies so it will have wiring in place. Electric brakes are simple to wire; there are only two pigtail leads from each brake and either one can be used for ground or…

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Answer 4

The Tekonsha pouch will house an item approximately 1-1/2 inches thick, 4-3/4 inches long, and 3-3/4 inches wide. I pulled the pouch from our warehouse along with a Prodigy P2, part #90885. The P2 is the same shell as the Prodigy 90185, just…

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Answer 5

My Truxedo representative recommends using hot water, car wash soap and a soft bristle brush to remove that sap. It's going to take some elbow grease, but that should remove it. Once you have the sap removed, Truxedo recommends using their…

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Answer 6

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…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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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…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 11

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 12

Hey HPA, I would go with the Air Lift kit part #AL64VJ that fits your 2019 Toyota RAV4 based on what you described and your needs. This gives you adjustable support that you can tailor as needed so that you get the exact amount of support you need…

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