Help Tekonsha P3 issue

@Lawfarin would that also fix the “trailer not connected” ?
I’m obviously learning as I go here, but with all the is working and testing out correct I don’t see how it doesn’t detect the trailer

 

My experience is everything works as should but the brakes are intermittent. Then you’ll see a red screen on the controller that says not connected or whatever. Can’t remember the exact words. This is often a short in the wire on the brakes on the trailer or a bad magnet for the electric brakes. You can test the wire easily by cutting the wire where it goes into the axle and run a new wire outside the axle housing to the brakes. If the problem goes away it’s instant fix.

If the problem persists it’s likely bad magnet. They typically don’t fail for many many miles but at times they do fail. At that time lots of people by the preassembled brake housing and all with new magnet and just plug and play and reconnect the wiring.

My tekonsha works flawless but had similar issue you are mentioning and that’s what I did to trouble shoot and turned Out to be the wire in brake axle housing. Easy fix.

 

Possibly. It could be a poor connection at the plug or open connection on the trailer. Double check the wiring and grounds. Clean the contacts and pack the female trailer side with dielectric grease. Then take a rag and wipe the excess off. A lot of times that will fix some of the issues.

 

Thanks so much @newdles I will give that a try in the next few days.

 

If unplugging the brake controller unlocks your trailer brakes then I tend to think the the wiring on both the truck and trailer is OK as well. If this is the connector directly into the back of the P3 then it’s not a brake controller harness problem either.

I have a P3 in my Tundra, and it’s the best brake controller I’ve ever used. They have a good reputation for a reason, and as you say, two units with the identical issue seems unlikely. But that does give another idea.

Have you read the P3 manual and set the controller for electric brakes, as opposed to (electric over) hydraulic? And mounted the controller in the direction of travel as shown in the manual?

http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/downloads/installation/N39526.pdf

Lastly, if all else fails, find a good automotive electrical shop to diagnose the issue before dumping the truck and/or camper over it. It will cost FAR less.

 

Thanks @landphil Ill give everything another go through, but I figure I’m heading to a local electric shop to see what’s going on.

Im just kidding about getting rid of the truck or camper love my Toyota , but it has definitely been an exercise in patience

I watched the TacoRico video and did the installation

 

Any updates on this? I have the exact same issue with my rig! Thanks in advance!

 

Same issue as well… minus the brakes locking up. Have lights and same screen reading, trailer not detected.

Any updates?

Brand new boat trailer, just brought it home today.