What Would Cause P3 Brake Controller to Have Jerky Braking Application

Updated 05/07/2025 | Published 05/04/2025

Question:

Hi i have a 2006 duramax im looking for advice on the trailer brake system. I currently have a tekonsha p3 because I was told it was the best proportional controller and I hate it. Its jerky, and either locks up while light braking or doesnt apply 100 power when ive had to slam the brakes. Ideally I want a controller driven by a brake pedal position sensor like the next generation silverado or Ideally the 2005-2014 Fords that even display the output in real time. Is there anything better than the p3 or is there any chance in hell that I can get something with direct feedback from the pedal position itself? Thank you

asked by: Jesse

Expert Reply:

Hey Jesse, what is the mounting of your P3 # 90195 like? Is it sitting level from side to side and squarely facing the rear of your truck? What you described sounds like a mounting issue that is throwing off the sensor of the brake controller.

There aren't any aftermarket brake controllers that use the pedal position as a sensor for the brake controller.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jesse

5/6/2025

Its securely fastened to the sheet metal under the dash by my ebrake

Jameson C.

5/6/2025

@Jesse That's good but what direction is it facing and is it level side to side? Do you have an aggressive boost setting selected?

Jesse

5/6/2025

@JamesonC it seems pretty level from side to side. Not mounted sidewaysor anything. I have to set it to boost lvl 2 or higher because I don't trust it for emergency braking. It won't output full voltage unless I manually override it. Side note: 20 years ago ford had the factory integrated controller and that remains superior to this day over any aftermarket company product... Wonder why there's nothing comparable? I could barely tell there was a trailer behind me while braking

Jameson C.

5/6/2025

@Jesse Is it facing squarely to the rear of the vehicle too? If it's not level side to side and not squarely facing rear of vehicle it won't well. What you described about it not being able to ever reach full output level also to me indicates an issue with position as the sensor isn't able to accurately interpret your braking.