I just insaalled a p3 in my truck using the plug under the dash. I used my grampas trailer and it worked great. the other day i got an error message "short to battery no breaks". The cover on my trailer plug is broken and it was wet out that day but im not sure if that would cause the problem.

Anybody have this problem before?

 

never had the problem but i think i would start with the plug issue you listed. dry it out, clean the contacts and try again..

 

I agree. And even if that's not the problem, a broken plug shroud is a bad thing waiting to get worse. But that's probably the problem. Be sure to disconnect the trailer batteries before working on it. Don't ask me how I know.

 

Bill was trying to make his own arc-welder!!!

 

Makes a damn fine one too - and a decent plasma cutter.

 

Speaking of trailer plugs - I'll throw in an opinion.

I don't like the field make-up plugs. On most trailers it is just as easy to pull the whole pigtail and install a new one that has a molded plug. Saves work, costs only a little more, and they are much more durable.

 

I plugged the controller back in yesterday and no problems yet. I will have to see what happens when it rains.

 

might just try a little grease on the contacts as well. I put some on mine, helps with the corrosion. Put it on the trailer side of the connection. very light film

 

I'd like to recommend (to everybody) coating your trailer plugs with vaseline - plain old petroleum jelly - to prevent water intrusion and shorts like that, and also to lube them so they seperate and plug in better. Petro jelly also tends to protect the plastic housings much like armor all would, so that they last a lot longer, and you can't beat the price! Vaseline is one of the cheapest and most easy to find lubricants you can imagine.

Petroleum jelly helps to replace the oils in most plastics so that they do not dry out over time, which is what armorall or silicone spray does.

I wouldn't use it to "wipe down" the whole cable, but if you have silicone spray - that could be a good idea too. Silicone is inert, once the propellent evaporates, and will sink in and help both insulate and prevent the cable sheath from drying and cracking over time. Spray it on, and wipe it down the length of the cable with a spare rag.