Tekonsha problem

[qc1500]

I am trying to get the brakes working again. They brake but only a little. The tekonsha gives an output of 3,4 volt. Looks to me as too low. But everything is setup as max.
The tekonsha was plug and play. Brakes are adjusted as normal, cleaned, magnets work but looks that they have to little power.
Is the 3,4 volt output normal? And if not, how can i get more power out of it?

[Aage]

Have you read the Tekonsha system's instructions on how to (electrically) adjust the braking power it applies?

That is critical to their proper operation.

[Wsmith]

You probably only have one of the four working. You should be drawing about 12 amps with all four magnets working properly. Have you checked the wiring going into each wheel for loose connections.

[qc1500]

All wiring is refitted because of the frame replacement, but all was connected again as original, with the original wires.

[qc1500]

@Aage: yes i read the instructions and set up was succesfull and everything is set at max output.

[Wsmith]

The correct way to make the brake connection is with wire nuts.If it has crimp on connectors you can have corrosion there. This way you will not have corrosion problems. You can also get grease filled one now. You might need to clean your trailer plug terminals Plug and unplug it a few times if you don't have any contact cleaner.

[qc1500]

The trailer plug is all new. Tomorrow I will check the connections under the trailer. What kind of voltage will i have to measure if everything is working ok?

[Wsmith]

See if this will help you. Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - FAQ'S

[qc1500]

Thanks, there is some usefull information, will start measuring voltage and amp tomorrow, to be continued...

[newroswell]

Originally Posted by qc1500

Thanks, there is some usefull information, will start measuring voltage and amp tomorrow, to be continued...

Those fancy brake controllers work different depending on inertia. If you're parked in the street with the wife hitting the brake and you and a voltmeter at the tow receptacle, probably won't see what you would if traveling. Unless you specifically have a DC ampmeter and are measuring just the brake line (ya can't put it around the whole 7-wire cable), you won't know what the braking line amps are. Is the controller mounted level? They've got accelerometers and are smart!

Customer service or another Tekonsha user here, might be able to tell you what voltage to expect from a voltmeter while parked and max brake applied. My P3 worked flawless, but is sitting on the shelf after the truck upgrade (with built in controller) and I don't have anyway of hooking up the P3 to test for you.

[overlander63]

The size of the wires going into the brake controller make a difference as well. This is really a case of "bigger is better". I just installed a new Tekonsha on my truck, and used 12 gauge wire to the controller and from the controller to the plug at the rear of the truck. The larger wire will allow more current to go to the brake controller as well as the trailer brakes.

[qc1500]

I did not make the wiring myself, but it was done at fabrication ( towing package) so just plug and play. It is a P3 tekonsha, i hope anyone can see what voltage theirs give while parked. so i can focus on the car or trailer.

[qc1500]

update:
Just measured at the 7 way at the end of the car and it gives 4 volt. The P3 gives: output voltage 3,4V, output current 2 amps, battery voltage 13,8V, and stoplight 13,6V.
Are these good values or bad?

[qc1500]

Think i found the problem that isn't a problem More speed is more voltage output, i read the instructions At a standstill it only delivers 25% of braking power so that explains the 3,4V.