Does the Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller Turn Off or Stay On All the Time

Question

Question:

I received my controller and cable today super quick service, and put it in with no problems. The display on the P3 remains lit, even with the truck shut off. Is that normal? Is there a way to turn it off?

asked by: Michael L

0

Expert Reply:

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, walk away for 15 minutes or so, then come back and peek in through the window to see if it has turned off. Of course you could always unplug the controller if you wanted.

If it has not, there may be a wiring issue or something causing the controller to think there is a trailer attached and drawing power. Corrosion in the vehicle/trailer side connectors could cause a short that would keep the brake controller on. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers other aspects of brake controller troubleshooting.

If the controller not turning off is happening with the trailer connected, then there could also be an issue with the trailer brake magnets. I have included another FAQ that covers testing brake magnets for you.

If you are using the OEM cable, make sure that you have it attached to the correct wires on the brake controller. Some factory harnesses have an illumination function that is not used by aftermarket controllers. On a brake controller, the white wire is ground, black is 12 volt power, blue is output to the trailer brakes, and red is input from the brake switch.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

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…

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Answer 2

While we do not have an installation video exactly for your 2008 Ford F-250 John, we do have one for a 2008 F-350 which is going to have the connector in the same location on the dash. I have linked the video near the bottom of this page where you…

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Answer 3

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…

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Answer 4

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. Measuring is not required if you just take a look at your coupler and see where it attaches to…

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Answer 5

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 6

I wasn't sure if you meant 2017 or 2018 Dodge Durango but the good news the fit info applies to both of them. Since you have a factory 7-way at the rear of your vehicle all you need to install a brake controller is the correct install…

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Answer 7

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 will go into a sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. Therefore, with the vehicle shut off and the key out of the ignition it will still stay on till the 15 minute window is reached.…

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Answer 8

The #30717 is exactly what you're looking for as long as you don't need the 7-way to supply anything other than lights on the trailer. You just plug the 4-ways together, connect the white ground wire to the vehicle's frame…

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Answer 9

Yes, the Yakima MegaWarrior #Y07080 and #Y07080-82 will fit on your Thule WingBar Evo crossbars. I recommend adding the Locking Brackets #Y07064 to secure the basket to your crossbars.

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Answer 10

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, #90195 will go into sleep mode after several minutes of inactivity, but there isn't an "off" switch for this controller. The power draw when it is in the sleep mode is so negligible…

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Answer 11

Since you can be looking at a max weight capacity of 14K you need a tire rated for at least 3.5K so that it can accommodate up to that weight. For your application I recommend using the Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10295 because…

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Answer 12

You would not be able to charge your battery through the wiring on your 4-way trailer connector. Since your truck has a 7-way connector, you could maintain the power to the battery but not charge it. To begin, you would need to cut off your 4-way…

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Does the Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller Turn Off or Stay On All the Time

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