Troubleshooting Tekonsha Primus IQ Brake Controller that Applies Brakes Hard Initially

Updated 09/25/2023 | Published 09/24/2023

Question:

Just purchased the Tekonsha Primus IQ and it shows it is reading well but will not allow me to adjust the gain. when manually pressing the brake switch to the left the gain dial only allows me to go as far as 13 or 1.3 cant tell when its mounted what its saying. It will not allow me to adjust to the starting point of 6.0. The brakes almost instantly lock up on the trailer and skip at varying speeds and makes a rather large scene with people around. I have the booster off and the screen flashes 00. The only way I can currently drive the new trailer is with the plug out.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the controller isn't mounted as level as it needs to be. The inertia sensor in the Tekonsha Primus IQ part # TK90160 requires the controller to be mounted so that it is completely level from side to side, facing the rear of the vehicle squarely, and really close to level from to back. If these parameters aren't met it will not activate the brakes in a predictable or safe manner.

Normally I would recommend checking to make sure the boost feature is off too but you already mentioned that.

expert reply by: Jameson C