Troubleshooting Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Controller # TK90160 in 2004 Chevrolet Suburban

Question:

I have a Tekonsha brake controller I got from etrailer in a 2004 Suburban. It plugs in the box under the dash. Ive only used it once towing from MI to PA and it worked great. Today I went to move the trailer and after hook up I had no brakes and warnings of inch Service brake systeminch and Stability system disabled. I shut off the Suburban and unhooked the trailer connector but it didnt help. Any thoughts on a cause?

asked by: Mike V

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchases from etrailer.

It sounds like the error codes you refer to are on your Suburban's DIC (Driver Information Center) and not on the Tekonsha unit itself. You can easily test the functions of the Primus brake controller itself by applying a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to the pins of the truck's 7-way (with the trailer disconnected of course).

If you refer to the linked photo, you'll see the brake circuit pin (marked by the red arrow) is in the 5-o-clock position. Ground the tester and apply the probe to this brake circuit pin while a helper steps on the brake pedal; you should detect a signal on this pin. You should also detect a signal when the manual override is pressed. If you do find appropriate signals on the 7-way, then the issue is not within the brake controller or wiring. If you detect anything else, or if the Primus displays error codes, please let me know.

In this case you will want to refer the DIC error codes to your local dealership for evaluation.

expert reply by: Adam R