Brake controller power

[lizardman]

I bought a Tekonsha P3. While reading the directions, even prior to purchasing, I assumed their was a on/off power button. Well, unlike every electronic device I have ever owned, there is not one. The way I mounted it under my dash, it is not possible to plug/unplug the unit everytime I use it. I notice that there is a power down mode, but I have no idea if that is good or bad to have for regular power control.
So, the basic questions are:
-Since it is always on, is it supposed to be left plugged in?
-Will it drain the battery at all?
-When does it know to power back up? Everytime the unit or brake pedal is touched or does it work off the ignition somehow?
-Should I install a toggle switch on the positve power wire?

Sorry if this may have already been covered at some point

Rod

 

[dstig1]

1. Yep, unless you really want to remove it
2. Shouldn't if operating correctly. Goes to sleep with no activity for 15 min or so (lights will go out)
3. When you step on the brakes it wakes up. Generally after you start it and go to put it in gear
4.If you really want to. I just leave mine installed and connected all the time. Mine is the Prodigy, but very similar from same company.

 

[timswi]

Don't remember the brand of my last aftermarket contoller, but it was on all the time and dispayed an annoying "E1" everytime I stepped on the brake without the trailer attached. That was the trailer disonnected error code.

 

[amaxwell]

Mine is wired to stay on any time the truck is running.Cuts off when key is turned off.

 

[BobRip]

Mine is wired to stay on any time the truck is running.Cuts off when key is turned off.

You might need brakes even when the key is off that's why they don't power down.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You might need brakes even when the key is off that's why they don't power down.

Correct. Every brake controller installed by a professional will be wired direct, not though a key. Its a CYA thing. They want you to have that as a latch ditch effort. Just like a automatic bilge pump in a boat.

By the way, I have had 20 or so vehicles with a brake controller in them and never ran a battery down. The draw is so small and most power down via a timer as others said.


Chris

 

[schmism]

my prodigy powers down after 5 min of no use.

it wakes up when you turn the key on and displays 2 dots [ . . ] when the trailer isnt hooked up at all times.

 

[lizardman]

Thanks all.

I feel better about just leaving it plugged in. I just didnt know if there was a TBN suggestion for a better way to handle this. If it is a non-issue for the unit or my truck, then it will be the same for me.

Rod