Is LED Taillight Flashing Every 5 Minutes Related to Tekonsha P3 Diagnostic Signal on a 2013 Duramax

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Question:

About every 5 seconds the brake lights which are LED give a very quick flash. In good daylight you probably wouldnt even see it. When I disconnect the trailer plug it doesnt happen. Could this be coming from the P3 controller doing its checks? The tow vehicle is a 2013 DMax. Is it something that I should be worried about and have it checked out.?

asked by: Phillip

0

Expert Reply:

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 issue and they advise cleaning the connection points on the trailer and on the vehicle. There may be some moisture or corrosion in the connection point that may be interfering with the signal and when the diagnostic signal is sent it is being re-directed and activates your LED taillights.

I advise looking at the connectors to see if there is any signs of corrosion, such as a white or greenish film on the connection points. You can use a wire brush, pipe cleaners, or a little white vinegar to clean the connection points. Once the connection points are clean and free of corrosion and completely dry, I recommend using some Dielectric Grease # 11755. You would just put a small amount of grease on the electrical connection points, then reconnect your truck and trailer. The dielectric grease will prevent moisture from contacting the electrical connections and will prevent additional corrosion.

Since your vehicle lights are LED it takes less input to activate them, and this issue is more noticeable. If you had incandescent bulbs, you would probably not even be seeing this issue.

expert reply by: Rachael H

0

Answer 1

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 being…

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Answer 2

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,…

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

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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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

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 11

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 12

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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Is LED Taillight Flashing Every 5 Minutes Related to Tekonsha P3 Diagnostic Signal on a 2013 Duramax

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