Troubleshooting Output Shorted No Brakes Message on Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller

Question

Question:

I keep having intermittent service with my tandem axle brakes. I bought a Tekonsha P3 controller and also replaced both the truck and trailer connectors. I tested from the controller back to the truck connector and it tested fine so I am now turning to the trailer. The P3 gives me an Output Shorted No Brakes message. I found one broken wire and repaired it. I thought this would solve the problem and the message went away and brakes worked in the drive. Next weekend i checked them again and then got the error message again. Before i start working from hub to hub I have a question. If one magnet is shorted, will it affect the other 3 brakes too? It appears that none of the brakes are working so what is the likely problem?

asked by: Randy

0

Expert Reply:

It does sound like there is a possible short with the brake magnets on your trailer, especially if all the wiring looks good between the brake controller and vehicle connector.

I recommend first making sure that each magnet has one wire secured to the trailer frame for ground and the other is connected to the brake output circuit. Check that there are no damaged or exposed areas that might be making contact to the trailer frame. If the wires all check out, then you will want to test the magnets themselves.

I have attached an article on testing brake magnets that you might find helpful. To test an individual brake magnet for a short, you will want to touch the base of the magnet to the negative post of a 12-volt battery. Then connect one of the brake magnet wires to the negative lead of a multimeter like # PT89ZR, and the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive post of the battery. If you detect any amperage, the magnet is shorted and should be replaced.

If one magnet has a short, it will not directly affect the other assemblies, but it will cause issues back up at the 7-Way connector. This can in turn affect the other assemblies from working correctly. I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of brake magnets if you find this is the problem.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

If your Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller, part #90195, displays the error message OUTPUT SHORTED NO BRAKES, the potential causes are a short in the brake output circuit somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer brake assemblies, or a shorted…

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Answer 2

If you sever the blue wire leaving the P3 controller part #90195 leaving enough room to reconnect it and test the end of the wire leaving the controller with a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 you should see voltage when you slide the manual…

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Answer 3

The "Warning Output Shorted No Brakes" error message on the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 per the manual can be caused by one of two things. I have listed these for you below: 1. Detects brake output wire shorted…

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Answer 4

I would start by inspecting the connection on both your vehicle and trailer. This issue is often caused by corrosion on the 7-way connections. It probably wouldn't hurt to clean the connections one way or another. If this does not solve the…

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Answer 5

I would start by inspecting the connector on your trailer and the vehicle to make sure there is not corrosion in the connector which could be causing a bad or weak connection. If there is corrosion in the trailer side connector, you would need to…

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Answer 6

The correct bearing kit for a Dexter 4,400 lbs axle is item #BK2-100. The Dexter 4,400 lbs axles use the same bearings and seals as a Lippert 3,500 lbs axles. This kit includes inner bearing item #L68149, inner race item #L68111, outer bearing item…

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Answer 7

Grease Seal #RG06-050 is the replacement part for the Dexter 010-019-00. It is 1.719 inches inner diameter and 2.565 inches outer diameter. It is a fit for 3500 lb axles. This is a confirmed replacement cross-reference.

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Answer 8

To determine why you do not have any power on the blue brake output wire, I recommend starting at your brake controller. First, make sure the brake controller is on and receiving power. Most brake controllers have 4 wires, blue (brake output to…

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Answer 9

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 10

For a 1998 Chevrolet K Series 3500 Pickup, I recommend the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class IV - 2" #41901. This is an extremely sturdy hitch that is easy to install. It will fit a standard or step bumper. For a roll-pan…

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Answer 11

According to my contacts at Curt Manufacturing, if the spare tire on your 1991 GMC pickup is the stock size, the spare tire might need to be slightly repositioned toward the front of the truck. This is a simple process. Remove spare, and install…

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Answer 12

I wasn't able to reference this part number but we do carry a few wall mount switches for MaxxAir Vent Fans, the part #MA59FR and part #MA00A03550K. If yours look like either of these two options then they will work great for you but they are the…

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Troubleshooting Output Shorted No Brakes Message on Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller

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