Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller Will Not Go Into Power Saving Mode, 2005 Chevy Silverado

Updated 01/28/2011 | Published 01/27/2011

Question:

I recently installed the p3 on my 05 Chevy 2500HD. And even waiting after several minutes to an hour the brake controller doesnt go into the power saving mode. Is there something that i can do besides unplugging the controler?

asked by: Monte K

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller, # 90195, only draws a few milliamps even when it is on. This power draw is so minimal that it will not drain the battery on your truck. If the screen on the P3 is blank when the truck is parked, that means it has gone into power saving mode. Otherwise, to remove power completely, it will need to be unplugged.

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha and he stated that usually when the P3 does not go into power saving mode it is because it is receiving a signal, most likely from the stop light red wire, that makes the controller think the brake pedal is being pressed.

You can also check to make sure the wiring harness plug that connects to the port on the truck is pinned correctly. If looking at the back of the plug where the wires go in and with the blue tab facing up, the red wire should be in the bottom left hole, the blue wire should be in the bottom right hole, the black wire should be in the right center hole, and the white wire should be in the top left hole.

My contact also stated that if a a button on the unit is stuck it will not allow it to go into power saving mode. You can also check the manual override lever to make sure it is not engaged. You may want to fully engage the override lever and let it snap back into place several times to clean the contacts. Finally, you can unplug the controller for several minutes and then reconnect it. This will allow it to re-program itself.

If your controllers screen still does not go blank, then there could be something wrong with the internal circuitry of the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H