Troubleshooting Tekonsha Primus Brake Controller Draining Batteries
Question:
i have a 2003 Chevy Avalanche with the brake controller wired directly to battery power. i originally thought some part of the truck was draining and subsequently killing my batteries. i have installed 3 batteries in 5 years. i dont drive the truck but once a week and during inclement weather and to tow a camper for deer season. i was able to locate the brake controller as the battery drain root cause. i think the blanket advice to connect the controller to battery power should be based on vehicle use, idle time, and how often one tows, otherwise those Milli amps can turn into bad advice and hundreds of dollars in battery replacement costs. Please rethink your blanket position of the connection of this or any power consuming device. i have extensive experience in electronics and did not see a reason why this device would need to consume any power during non-operational periods, Non-volatile memory has been around for a very long time. The Milli amp draw was a very big surprise. It would certainly be worth the effort to re setup the controller when needed especially in a case like mine where 99.5 of the time its not going to be used during that particular trip. i understand my usage isnt typical but your advice should consider the user usage - correct? Thanks,
asked by: Dwayne N
Expert Reply:
The Tekonsha Primus brake controller, part # TK90160, needs to be connected to a constant power source so that the settings on the brake controller are not lost. The brake controller, however, has a power-saving mode built-in. After 15 minutes, the brake controller will go into power-saving mode. In this setting, the power draw falls to minimize drain on your vehicle's battery.
Brake controllers are designed to constantly check to see if a trailer is connected and that all necessary circuits are connected. When you shut off the truck, a brake controller will continue to do this because a brake controller does not know you shut off the truck. During this period, the brake controller uses very little current. However, if the controller thinks a trailer is connected because of a short or corroded connector on the vehicle then it will not turn off and it will draw more power than when in its power saving mode. The only time a brake controller uses any significant amount of power is when braking. When a brake controller has not sent power back to the brakes after a period of time, it shuts down until the next time you use it.
I have included a FAQ article which shows common brake controller issues and how to resolve them.
If you seldom use the brake controller you may want to disconnect it when not in use. The Primus has a Quick-disconnect feature lets you easily remove and store the control when not in use.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
