Tekonsha P-3 Trailer Brake Controller wont turn off?

F150FXOnline · #1 03-10-2010, 05:57 PM

I bought a new Tekonsha P-3 Trailer Brake Controller and had a shop install it today. I didnt notice till I got home and removing my key the display doesnt turn off and I dont see anywhere in the options to turn it off?

So anyone else with a P3 when you remove you key from the igntion isnt the display suppose to go off? Im scared now my battery is going to die. I guess till I get a response my manually remove the plug from the rear.

I also gave them my factory ford wiring kit to use for the P3.

Thanks!

Colorado Osprey · #2 03-10-2010, 07:34 PM

Brake control power is always hot, key on or off. BUT, there is a relay that cuts power after I believe 10 minutes so that if you accidently leave an interior light on you don't kill your battrery.

Your controller could possibly drain your battery in about 6-9 months if you never started the truck and your truck didn't have the battery saver mode. The power used on the controller when not in use is so minimal as to not worry about it. There is a larger drain if you leave your trailer plugged into your truck though.

F150FXOnline · #3 03-10-2010, 08:56 PM

Thanks for the reply. yeah after about 10-15 minutes it went out on its own.

YDM · #4 03-10-2010, 10:20 PM

The controller has a built in timer that will kill the display after 15 minutes of inactivity, including depressing the brake pedal. So you don't have to worry about whether you have keyed or un-keyed power to the controller.

Your truck also should have a factory isolation relay that disconnects the power wire in the trailer plug to prevent the truck battery from being sucked down by leaving the trailer plugged in.

F150FXOnline · #5 03-11-2010, 03:09 PM

thanks for the info!!!

avfrog · #6 03-15-2010, 10:43 PM

You will love the p3...

F150FXOnline · #7 03-16-2010, 03:40 PM

I hope its pretty easy to use. : ) Its mounted but wont be using it for another 3 weeks. It had a MINI DVD should I watch it or just use the directions on the paperwork?

brianjwilson · #8 03-16-2010, 06:12 PM

If you've never used one, watch the DVD if there is one.
The paper does a decent job of telling you how to adjust it as well. Once you get it set for the trailer, remember the number it is set on. You may end up going up or down from that number depending on what is in the trailer and road conditions. When you get it set right you don't have to think about it, just brake and it will do it's job of sending the correct braking power to the trailer.
The manual slider on it is nice if the trailer gets a little bit of sway from a passing truck or something. Apply a little bit of brake to the trailer only and it will straighten right up.

F150FXOnline · #9 03-17-2010, 02:33 PM

cool thanks!

Zaairman · #10 03-21-2010, 02:24 PM

They shut off on their own... Set the cruise on the highway and don't touch the brakes... it'll shut off after 10-15 mins.

pmason718 · #11 03-22-2010, 01:14 AM

Here is where I mounted mine

fordmaster · #12 03-28-2010, 05:03 PM

I mounted mine this weekend but on the other side just right of the hood release. Works great.

As for the shutting off while on cruise?...I'll bet if the unit can sense whether or not a trailer is connected...it can sense that it is in use and will NOT shut off on cruise control..

avfrog · #13 03-31-2010, 08:58 PM

^ exactly

Eagle0751 · #14 04-11-2011, 07:08 PM

Getting ready to order mine... Read everything I could, looks like this one is the best of the best.

Eagle0751 · #15 04-22-2011, 08:40 PM

Ordered and waiting for it...