Why Do Trailer Brake Controller Always Stay On with Vehicle Off

Question

Question:

Tekonsha P3 controller installed on 2016 Frontier with OEM tow package. The controller is always on. Is this a normal status or can you turn it off without disconnecting the unit? Brand specific Tekonsha to Nissan connection harness is being used. Your response will be greatly appreciated

asked by: Roy B

0

Expert Reply:

Brake controllers such as the P3 you referenced # 90195 will go into a sleep mode after about 15 minutes of it sensing no movement. If you peek through the window after 15 minutes then it should be in sleep mode. Opening the door or causing movement to the truck could cause it to wake back up.

The reason this is a good thing is that you don't lose the presets you selected on the controller. If you cut all power to the controller it would have to be set back up again after every use.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

If the green light on the Tekonsha #9030 Voyager Brake Activator, item #39510, is remaining on when the trailer is not connected to your vehicle it means that the brake controller is sensing a load on the blue brake output wire. Many times when this…

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Answer 2

The P3 brake controller, #90195, will go into a sort of sleep mode after it detects no movement for 15 minutes. While it is on it does not draw very much power. What you can do to make sure it goes to sleep is exit the truck after turning it off,…

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Answer 3

Be sure to weld in a ventilated area and of course use gloves and eye protection. Make sure that the area is clean of any paint or rust. You can clean the area with a wire brush, but I recommend getting a wire bit for your drill to really get the…

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Answer 4

The hitch you mentioned is for pickups and not a utility bed, so the best option that may work is a universal weld-on hitch. It simply depends on the width of your frame; for example, if your frame is up to 44" wide you can use the Curt Class 5…

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Answer 5

The white wire on a brake controller is ground and should not show power. If it is then this indicates a short to ground and most likely the controller will need to be replaced. The white wire needs to be directly connected to the negative battery…

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Answer 6

I recommend the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Item #C51180. If the dealership is installing the 7 pole connector, this controller doesn't require any additional wires to be ran inside the vehicle. Your…

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Answer 7

All the brake controller needs to sense a trailer connection so that you can test it is a slight amperage draw on the output circuit. For that you can use a circuit tester like the part #PTW2993 with one pin grounded and the other on the output pin.…

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Answer 8

There is no plug-and-play brake controller harness for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 so brake controller installation will be a hard-wire process. Under the driver's seat there should be a green plug. The wires to this plug can be tested…

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Answer 9

Most brake controllers will stay active for several minutes after the vehicle is turned off and then will eventually go into sleep mode. The small LED light draws such a small amount that it would it would not cause your battery to drain. I attached…

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Answer 10

First of all did this problem just start happening? If the trailer has always worked fine before on the same truck then it's likely a short on the trailer's brake wiring. I would start by cleaning the connector and make sure it's free of…

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Answer 11

It is very normal for a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional #90885 to have a small time period where it still appears active after a vehicle is turned off. It normally will go into a…

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Answer 12

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Why Do Trailer Brake Controller Always Stay On with Vehicle Off

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