Screen of Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller Remains On After Vehicle Ignition is Switched Off

Updated 12/05/2013 | Published 12/03/2013

Question:

Connector indicator on brake control stays on with ignition switch off

asked by: Ben M

Expert Reply:

I am assuming you mean that the P3 display remains lit when the trailer is connected after the vehicle ignition is switched off. The display of the P3 will remain active for up to 15 minutes after the ignition is turned off, at which point the screen will go blank when the controller enters its power saving mode. During the brief 15 minute period, the LCD screen will draw a minimal amount of power, certainly not enough to drain the battery.

If the controller remains on after the 15 minute period, there is most likely a short somewhere that is backfeeding power to the controller. The most likely culprit is the trailer connector, where corrosion can build up on the wire terminals and cause a short to an adjacent circuit. If the trailer connector looks okay, please get back with me and we will look into some other possible causes.

expert reply by: Mike L