Troubleshooting a Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller With Trailer Brakes That are not Showing Power
Updated 07/06/2020 | Published 03/28/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I purchased a Tekonsha P3 trailer brake controller from etrailer about two years ago and it has worked perfectly up until now. I tried troubleshooting it and one of your video tutorials leads me to believe that the controller might be dead. The battery and brake light voltage are normal. The brake lights come on with both the pedal and manual override lever, but no voltage goes to the brakes. The brake voltage just reads zero no matter what I do. The 7 pin connector is clean and I added some dielectric grease just in case. The trailer brake wires also have no apparent damage. What do you think the problem is? Is there something else I should try?
asked by: Andrew W
Expert Reply:
I am not entirely sure what process you took so I'll give you some other things to try, or maybe a different way to test the Prodigy P3 # 90195. First, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override; if it shows power at idle then there is an issue with the controller, and it will need to be replaced.
You will also want to test the brake output pin on the 7-way socket; it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time, then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to find.
It could also be the brake magnets themselves.You'll want to visually inspect the magnets; if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also attached some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out.
John M.
6/30/2020
My control will lock up the brakes when jacked up with the manual lever but not when you push the pedal brake but when on the ground the lever don't engage the brake.
Chris R.
7/6/2020
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: prodigy p3
- Search Results: prodigy 3
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Video: Installing the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller in a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
- Search Results: k23~469~00
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Pro Series Pilot Trailer Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w Remote - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller Shows Warning Output Shorted No Brakes with New Breakaway
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Troubleshooting a Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller that Reads Trailer Not Connected
- Search Results: akhd~545~35~g~ez~k
- Search Results: akhd~545~35~ez~k
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Setting Brake Power on Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller For First Time
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver and Vehicle Wiring Harness For a 2024 GMC Canyon Without Factory Tow Package
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Video: Set up: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller on a 2019 Chevrolet Express Van
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Trail Proportional Custom Harness - RED74UR
on Automotive Tools
Walt K.
4/15/2020
Hooked the trailer up, when I stepped on brake the controller did not come on and when I felt the controller it was very warm to the touch. Disconnected controller, and plugged it in the next day and it worked. So does that mean there is nothing wrong with it and why was it very warm to the touch?