A question for Tekonsha P3 brake controller users

Hi
I do see voltage when braking, particularly when using boost.
If very low voltage I do not get the jerky stop.

The controller is not mounted horizontally but is mounted, I believe correctly. The guy who did it did not mount it permanently buy used the clip on option so it can be removed easily.

I had some one check the plug. I suspected this as well as it is I changed it ??

When I look at the diagnostics in the P3 it seems to have a low output current value, I think.

Does your van stop smoothly or does it jerk.
As mentioned I can stop the jerky stop by setting the voltage low and removing the boost. I guess this is just minimizing the van braking, which is not good.

Thanks again,

Richard

Mine is a completely different setup, being a boat trailer with elec over hydraulic system. But at 8volts setting it pulls up very smoothly.
The "boost" setting relates to the size of the trailer compared to tug and how quickly brakes are applied.
Perhaps check its set for elec brakes not EOH?

Check if the install uses a self resetting circuit breaker.
It might not be rated high enough.

On low power braking there's less power draw than boost 2 -3 and on more braking the CB could be opening and resetting causing the jerking brakes.

Cant recall the recommended amperage for single and twin axles but it's advised to go one size / rating up as they're not always 100% rating.

On my dual axle van I replaced the 30A with 35A as , from the discoloring on the case, the 30 was getting hot too many times.

Ron

Yep had checked the settings. It is set to electric.

There is some thing wrong just to many variables at the moment.

Richard

Ron,
I will check

Thanks,
Richard

As mentioned I am unsure where the problem is
Car wiring. Which is new, in fact to car is new
Van brakes
Brake controller

Here is a bit more detail.

If is set the voltage to 3.6 and no boost I stop with smoothly. According to the display there is some Voltage going to the brakes.

If I turn on boost the stopping is not smooth

If I turn up the voltage setting to say 5 the stopping is also not smooth

This is a bit confusing.

My understanding is the voltage setting is a maximum.

When doing similar stops I would expect similar voltage is sent or is to the brakes if you never exceed or go near the maximum. So why should increasing the setting make a difference.

I can understand if you set the boost it would make a difference.

Or have I just got it completely wrong :)

Richard

If your boost is set to zero then there is no boost?
On a boat trailer where the load changes from 3000kg to 500kg zero boost is used so there is no braking when empty.
That is why yours goes fine when set to zero.
Do you get the jerking both using brake pedal and manual application?
My Dexter EOH system has a 20amp on the controller and 50amp on the hotwire to EOH, both self resetting.
The CB on yours could very well be the problem, set the unit to show the current being drawn, could also be a faulty CB.

I believe I have a 20amp cb installed.

I will upgrade to a 25amp

Thanks I will try anything still he moment.

Richard

I am following up on CB but one thing I have noticed
I ramped the voltage up to max 14 and went into diagnostic area in the P3

All looked ok except the output current which read about 6.

Not sure if this good or bad for a two wheel van.

Richard

I am driving a 3 ltr discovery 4 and the van weighs around 1800, probably less

Richard