Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller Blows Power Wire Fuse when Brake Pedal is Used

Updated 05/09/2016 | Published 05/08/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 30 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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$8.60

Liquid Electrical Tape

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Question:

Hi I have just installed the tekonsha primus brake controller. When I installed it I installed a fuse on the positive wire going to the battery. It works fine when I hook my trailer up o shows the C for connection. But then when I pump the brakes a few times in goes blank and blows the fuse. It did it twice.. What could it be?? Thanks

asked by: Brendan

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there is a short that is overdrawing power and blowing the fuse or the draw of the trailer brake magnets is greater than the fuse capacity. The Primus brake controller # TK90160 can work with up to 6 brake assemblies but any more than 2 assemblies I recommend a 30 amp fuse or, better yet, a circuit breaker, # PK54530.

Also make sure that the brake controller white ground wire is attached to the negative battery terminal. No other ground location is sufficient. If you routed wires through the vehicle firewall it is possible that a wire could have been damaged causing a short. This is an easy fix though if you find exposed wire. I recommend coating it in liquid electrical tape, # SWC50122. I have also included some links to testing and troubleshooting a brake controller in case the problem is the controller.

expert reply by: Michael H