Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller Applies Trailer Brakes Aggressively when Going Downhill

Updated 05/12/2014 | Published 05/10/2014

Question:

Ive had this controller for a couple of years and for the most part it is fine, but periodically it will over send too high of a signal to the travel trailer and lock up the brakes or jerk the tow vehicle to a stop. My wife is getting tired of picking stuff up off the floor of the travel trailer after these episodes. Anyway, Ive been keeping track of when this happens and it appears that it is most apparent after steep down hill descents. My theory is that the controller thinks that the forward angle of the tow vehicle is tricking the controller into thinking that we are in a panic stop and sends max power to the trailer. Normal signal to the trailer is around 3, but during these panici stops, I see 6-8 on the controller. It will return back to normal after I shut the tow vehicle off for a while. Have you heard of this before? Is there some sort of software upgrade? Please help, Im getting ready to throw this thing in the garbage. 2007 Toyota Tacoma 24ft travel trailer 4700 lbs double axle. Im using the Toyota wiring harness

asked by: Dave P

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the accelerometer inside the P3 # 90195 is getting a little tired. You may also want to try adjusting the angle of the controller to be more level with the ground if possible because something could be off with the auto-leveling sensors.

The good news is that the P3 does have a limited lifetime warranty and if something has gone wrong with the internal circuitry Tekonsha is likely to replace it under the warranty.

You will also want to check the truck and trailer side connectors and make sure they are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. A little corrosion can make all sorts of crazy things happen.

expert reply by: Michael H