Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller 90195 Displays Message Output Shorted No Brakes
Question:
I have a 3 axle trailer using the tekonsha p3 brake controller. While driving the screen will jump from Output shorted No brakes and then the green screen with the 0.0. Sometime the red error stays on until I press on the brakes and then it goes away until I let go of the brake pedal. I have looked at each brake to make sure I have power with a test light. I do have power going to each electric brake. Do you think it has something to do with the magnets? Currently the trailer is up in the air on jack stands. I hook the trailer to my truck with the engine running and press the brake pedal and then on each hub I can manually turn the hubs with little or no resistance. Is that normal? I pulled off 2 of the hubs and the inside where the magnet attaches to has grooves in it. Would that be causing it also? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
asked by: Michael J
Expert Reply:
If your Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller, part # 90195, displays the error message OUTPUT SHORTED NO BRAKES, the potential causes are a short in the brake output circuit somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer brake assemblies, or a shorted or damaged brake magnet.
Since you do have power reaching the trailer brake assemblies the issue is probably within them, rather than within the tow vehicle wiring, but if you wish you can still test the vehicle 7-way connector for a correct brake controller output signal. Use a circuit tester, such as # PTW2979, on the pin at the 5-oclock position. Please see photo provided. With your grounded circuit tester on this pin, have a helper apply the manual override on the P3. If you detect a brake output signal then you have eliminated the vehicle as a potential cause for the issue.
You might also want to check the trailer wiring from the 7-way connector back to the brake assemblies. Look for pinched wires, and worn spots or cracks in the insulation. If the wiring looks good then you can focus on the electric brake assemblies themselves.
I have linked an article that covers troubleshooting steps for electric brake magnets. You can test each magnet for a dead short, correct resistance and proper current draw. The article includes the correct range of measurements. Any readings outside of these ranges indicate malfunctioning magnets. Make sure each magnet has one wire secured to the trailer frame for ground, and the other connected to the brake output circuit. Since you indicate that the inside of your hubs (where the magnet rides when energized by a signal) shows wear/grooves it may be that you will need to replace your hubs also. If you can see any of the coil windings on the magnets, they are probably worn out. If you are able to freely rotate the hubs when the brakes are energized, then the brakes are probably just worn out.
We offer replacement magnets and other components (as well as complete brake assemblies) for many brands and sizes of electric drum brakes. I have included a link to our department page for electric drum brakes where you can choose appropriate replacement parts based on the weight specification for your trailer axles and the size of your brake assemblies. It is often a good idea to replace the entire brake assembly, rather than just the magnet, since for the small additional cost you will have a completely new brake system.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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