Troubleshooting the SH Code on Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller # TK90160

Question:

had SH message come up, 10klms later applied brakes and they locked on, had to get home on back of truck, was told it was a bearing have replaced both bearing sets, seem ok, what else could be wrong primus brake controller

asked by: Patrick G

Expert Reply:

The SH code on the Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller, # TK90160, indicates that the brake controller has detected a short on the brake output wire.

Possible reasons your Primus controller is reading a short is either corrosion in the trailer and/or vehicle plug or the electric brake output wire is damaged and exposed wiring is touching a metal area. To determine if either of these are the cause, I recommend checking your connections for corrosion. Corrosion is usually a whitish/greenish in color and can be cleaned away with a wire brush.

I also recommend inspecting the brake output wire. This is the blue wire coming from the brake controller. Inspect each of the connections for the brake controller and tow package wiring. Look for any areas that may be pinched, frayed or damaged. If the wiring and connections on your tow vehicle check out, move to the trailer.

Again, inspect the trailer connector for any corrosion. Also check the brake output wire going from the trailer connector to the trailer brakes for any damaged sections. I also recommend checking the brake magnets themselves. If you see any of the copper windings on the face of the brake magnet, then it may be time to replace the brake magnets.

If you are unable to find the problem or a solution, let me know what you come up with after checking these areas and we can do further troubleshooting.

expert reply by: John H