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How To Turn Off The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller # 90195  

Updated 06/10/2025 | Published 08/26/2010

Question:

I have the P3 brake unit. I dont pull very often, how do I turn it off other then unplugging.

0

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, # 90195, does not have an on and off switch. It will go into sleep mode after several minutes of no activity. The power draw when it is in the sleep mode is so negligible that it will not discharge the battery.

If you want the brake controller totally off, then you would have to unplug the connector from the back of the controller.

expert reply by:
0
Jeff D
Wade profile picture

Wade

4/20/2024

What if it’s not going into sleep mode? Settings issues?

Will M. profile picture

Will M.

5/30/2024

@Wade I have this issue too. I'm considering adding an inline fuse to the brake controller or maybe a switch. Unplugging the controller is easy enough, but I think the mount will not last the repetitive detachment in the long run.
Bud M. profile picture

Bud M.

5/30/2024

@WillM
Rick profile picture

Rick

10/27/2024

I have a 2021 Toyota Sequoia that I just purchased. It has a Tekonsha P3 installed that I do not need. Can I just unplug from the back and take it out? If so will my trailer light connector still function properly, thank you.

Jon G. profile picture

Jon G.

10/28/2024

@Rick Yes, and yes! Unplugging the controller is as simple as removing the plug from the back, and when you do that it will just render that pin in the Sequoia 7-Way useless. The only thing to keep in mind is that if your trailer does have brakes, they will no longer be activating so you'll need to take that into consideration as well.
Dave profile picture

Dave

6/9/2025

Hi Jeff. I purchased my Prodigy P3 from Etrailers about a month ago. order #122543003. I am having the same issue. I wired it up as directed and its always on. To be honest I waited maybe 5 minutes or so and it was still on. At what point will it go in to sleep mode ? dont want to drain my battery of course. I happen to be an electrical engineer and looking at the wiring diagram , its going directly to the battery through a 20A breaker. So it would seem it wont ever shut off unless its smart enough to do that on its own. But how would it know the car is off ? theres no wires monitoring any switched lines. Aside from the brake pedal. Maybe it looks for brake activity ? Hopefully it does. Guess ill plug it back in tomorrow and wait a longer period. It seems pretty sophisticated so hopefully its got some auto-sleep designed in. thanks, Dave

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

6/10/2025

@Dave Yeah the P3 will go into sleep mode if there's no activity on the brake pedal circuit for a long enough period of time. We've never been given an exact amount of time but it wouldn't be longer than like 15 minutes. This question does come up a lot but it does for sure go into sleep mode and won't drain the battery. The reason it needs power all the time is so that it doesn't lose the settings you picked. If you were to cut power to it completely you'd have to start all the way over with the settings.

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