Using Circuit Tester to Trick P3 Brake Controller Into Thinking a Trailer is Connected

Question:

I just installed the controller on a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I’m trying to set it up, and I get as far as ing the brake type and the unit tells me that there is no trailer connected and forces me to reset back to square one. Unfortunately I don’t have my trailer yet to use for the install. I connected to another trailer that doesn’t have brakes and the lights and everything worked but the unit of course gave me the error that said “no brakes detected”. Is the unit functioning normally? I’m nervous waiting to attach to my new RV to ensure the unit is working as that will be the day I’m picking up from the dealer. Thanks

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

Sounds like everything is fine. If you have a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 you can test the pin in the 5:00 position with it and that should put enough of a load on the circuit for the controller to think a trailer is connected.

expert reply by: Jameson C