Will the Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Controller Drain Your Vehicle's Battery if Sitting Unused

Updated 02/20/2017 | Published 02/17/2017

Question:

On my Dodge Ram 2500s - 1999 and 2008 what can I do to keep the batteries from draining when the brake controller is connected and the truck / engine is parked not running per Primus controller instructions ? Is there a battery disconnect I can or have to disconnect to prevent this from happening every time I park my truck ?

asked by: John L

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Primus IQ, # TK90160, is designed to have power supplied to the unit at all times. The control needs this power supply to continuously check for a trailer connection and run diagnostic checks on the system. However, the controller does have a power saving mode after 15 minutes of inactivity.

In this mode the controller is running off of very little power and should not cause a large enough draw to drain a battery unless it has been sitting for a period of months.

If your are having battery draining issues you might need to check the wiring for any faulty grounds or shorts that might cause an amp draw that would cause a battery discharge.

expert reply by: Jared P