Tekonsha P3 Shows 0.0 On Display When Brake Pedal Is Pressed - Is Something Wrong?

Updated 04/25/2024 | Published 04/24/2024

Question:

My Tekomsha P3 brake controller is only showing 0.0 when the trailer is connected. Even when I hit the brakes. It does change and shows a value when I move the manual lever underneath. What could be wrong?

asked by: Chris W

Expert Reply:

Hello Chris. What you are describing sounds completely normal and it sounds like your Tekonsha P# controller # 90195 is installed correctly. With the trailer connected the display should show 0.0 when the brakes are applied, and it should show the current gain setting when the manual override is applied.

The P3 has an internal inertia sensor. It senses deceleration and generates an output that is based on deceleration. When the vehicle is not in motion, the controller will not sense deceleration and no power will actually be sent to the brakes when the brake pedal is applied.

Try connecting your trailer and taking it for a spin. When applying the brakes with the vehicle in motion, the controller will sense deceleration and the display should show the output. I have linked the instructions for this controller below. You can see this info on pages 2-5.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Chris

4/25/2024

Thanks Jesse. The problem is, it still shows 0 when I brake with the trailer in motion & connected. Only when I applied the manual lever does it change. Am I not going fast enough? I didn't go above 15mph. Regards.

Jesse M.

4/25/2024

@Chris Are the trailer brakes actually being applied when the 0.0 is flashing on the screen? You can try going a bit faster but even 15 mph should be enough to trigger the inertia sensor. If the brakes are in fact being applied it may just be an issue with the display. I suggest that you reset your P3 by unplugging if for about 3-5 minutes. If this doesn't work then try doing that for an extended period of time like 15 minutes. If the trailer brakes are being applied but the display is still showing 0.0 I would say that your P3 has something damaged internally and you should take advantage of the lifetime warranty of the product.

Chris

4/25/2024

@JesseM Thanks, I will try that.