Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller is Not Powering Up On a 2000 Chevy Suburban

Updated 06/17/2013 | Published 06/15/2013

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Question:

This is probably a stupid question...I just installed the Tekonsha P3 on a 2000 Suburban. It appears to be plug and play, but the controller is not lit up. Will the P3 display be illuminated if my trailer is not connected to the vehicle?

asked by: Rod

Expert Reply:

When there is power applied to the P3, # 90195, initially, the display will light up. After about 15 minutes of no activity, it will shut off again and go into a sort of sleep mode. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if you do not already have one to test the black wire on the controller. The black wire provides power to the controller.

If there is power and the display does not come on no matter what you do, with or without a trailer connected, then there is a problem with the controller, and it will need to be replaced.

If there is no power going to the controller, then the fuse used to power the controller could be blown or missing. Use the truck owner's manual to locate the fuse to check it. On some GM products, not all of the tow package wiring is complete, and you may have some connections to make under the hood. I have linked an FAQ article that should help. I have also included a link to an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake controllers that should also help.

expert reply by: Michael H