Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller that is Flashing on a 2010 Chevy Tahoe

Published 03/06/2015

Question:

I have the controller installed in a 2010 Chevy Tahoe and just hooked up the RV when I noticed there was no display on the controller. I checked the power into the brake controller and I am getting 12v. My wife mentioned that the display had been flashing recently without the trailer connected. Since there is power to the unit what else can I check? Is my controller fried?

asked by: Michael A

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, try unplugging it for 5 minutes and plug it back in at an appropriate mounting angle and inline with the direction of travel. It may have been bumped on accident and it wasn't at the proper angle anymore. When the brake controller was flashing, was it a letter code such as N.C., S.H or O.L or lines? If you can let me know, I may be able to pinpoint the problem.

Here is some additional reasons why your brake controller such as # TK90160 is flashing even when your trailer is disconnected:

If the display flashes n.c. for 15 seconds, there is a few reasons why this happens:
I. Your trailer is not connected to your 2010 Chevy Tahoe.
II. Your trailer is connected with an open circuit on the brake line.
III. Your trailer connector is disconnected or corroded. Using a wire brush should help.
IV. Loss of trailer magnet ground.

If the display flashes 2 times per second continuously, there may be a short in the brake wire or a potential overload during operation.

If the lower 2 bars flash, the brake controller is mounted at too low of an angle. Secondly, if the upper 2 bars flash, the brake controller is mounted at too high of an angle.

I included a information article about troubleshooting brake controllers for you as well.