Troubleshooting the Tekonsha P3 When it Behaves Erratically

Question

Question:

I just installed Tekonsha P3in my Landcruiser, it works but when I apply brake after it has been off it shows voltage on the screen for few seconds and disappears and goes to P3 green screen even when no tow vehicle is connected. I use to have same unit in my Prado and it never did that. is this OK.Also when it is connected to my boat trailer it works but in between working it flashes no trailer connection and goes back to normal, it does this every 30-40secs but Still works. Can someone please help me with this.

asked by: Aman

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there is something very wrong with your Tekonsha P3, part # 90195.

There are some troubleshooting diagnostics available with the unit, which can be accessed by pressing the menu button, selecting Help, pressing the menu button again, selecting Trouble Shoot, and pressing the menu button a third time.

However, it doesn't look like your issue is one of the common ones. It sounds as if there is some wiring problems. One thing that can cause brake controllers to behave erratically is when they are not hooked up to vehicles using the proper wiring harness. When you switched the P3 from your Prado into your Landcruiser, did you make sure to use the Landcruiser custom harness from Tekonsha?

For example, the 2017 Toyota Landcruiser with a factory prep package would require the Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Toyota and Lexus, part # 3040-P, to function properly. I've linked to a video review of this adapter for you to look at.

If you let me know what year your Landcruiser is and if it came with a factory prep package, I can let you know which adapter you should be using.

If you did use the adapter that was prescribed for your vehicle, there may be some other malfunctions with the wire. You will need to inspect them and the contact points for the ground and power wire for any corrosion or frays.

If none of these work, let me know and I will help you further.

expert reply by: Kef G

0

Answer 1

The Tekonsha P3 does send a diagnostic signal to detect if there is a trailer connected. As you mentioned this may be indicating another problem, and I recommend checking in out. I have spoken with my contacts at Tekonsha about your particular…

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Answer 2

That has to be a brake controller issue. Sounds like the controller is backfeeding the stoplight circuit it taps into as a signal wire with voltage which is then activating your brake lights. When this happens the brake controller is in need of…

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Answer 3

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 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

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 7

The Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package #C16046 will work well with the Roto-Flex pin box. The combination will be a good match for you and this hitch with the specific connection to the factory prep package pucks will make…

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Answer 8

As long as the RBW Lil' Rocker mounts to industry standard base rails you'll need the Curt Adapter Rails #C29BR that fit in the OEM puck system on your 2019 Ram 2500 and give you a standard base rail connection. I'm attaching a photo…

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Answer 9

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 10

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 11

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 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Troubleshooting the Tekonsha P3 When it Behaves Erratically

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