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The Tekonsha Primus IQ electric trailer brake controller gives you dependable braking power in a compact design. As an industry staple for more than ten years, this proportional braking system provides a smooth braking response in any stopping situation. With its petite yet durable exterior, this trailer brake controller fits nicely under the dash, making it easily accessible from the driver?s seat without being in the way. While also compact, the brains of the Primus IQ are astute. This insightful brake controller has an easy-to-read LED display, self-diagnostic check to monitor your connection and trailer braking activity and is self-leveling when mounted within a 90-degree vertical range, so there?s no need to adjust the unit once it?s installed. It also features a power output knob to set your desired braking power, a boost option that lets you apply up quickly and easily to three levels of additional trailer braking power, especially when hauling heavier loads, and manual override. The Primus IQ was created to work with electric braking systems, works proportionally in reverse to make backing into tough spots a bit easier, and - like the Prodigy P3, Prodigy P2, and many other Tekonsha brake controllers ? utilizes primary sensor technology to ensure the smoothest stop possible. When you?re done towing, the IQ?s snap-in dash mounting clip, Plug & Play port for two plug adapters, and removeable electrical connector allow the unit to be quickly stored. The Primus IQ is truly a complete trailer brake controller kit. It works with trailers with 1-3 axles, comes with all necessary mounting hardware, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
| BRAND: | TEKONSHA |
| PART NUMBER: | 90160 |
| WARRANTY: | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| WEIGHT: | 1 LBS |
| MATERIAL: | PLASTIC |
| BRAKE CONTROL TYPE: | PROPORTIONAL |
| TRAILER BRAKE WHEEL QUANTITY: | UP TO SIX WHEELS |
| LEVELING CAPABLE: | Self-leveling |
| BRAKE TYPE: | ELECTRIC |
| Diagnostic Capable: | YES |
| DISPLAY TYPE: | DIGITAL OUTPUT |
| HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS: | NO |
| SOLID STATE CONSTRUCTION: | YES |
| CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTED: | YES |
| HOUSING COLOR: | BLACK |
| BRACKET INCLUDED: | YES |
Tekonsha is a leading manufacturer of electronic trailer brake controllers, pioneering the category in the 1970s. The lineup spans proportional units such as the Prodigy P3 and Prodigy iD, time-delayed controllers, the wireless Prodigy RF, plus vehicle-specific wiring harnesses, adapters and trailer brake components engineered for smooth, predictable stopping at any speed.
Tekonsha Engineering Company began in 1964 building RV steps and mirrors. Within a few years it had found its real calling, and by the 1970s Tekonsha was pioneering the manufacture of electronic trailer brake controllers, the product category that still defines the brand. More than half a century later it remains the reference name in trailer braking and is part of the Horizon Global group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Fulton, Bulldog and Wesbar.
A brake controller is the component that tells a trailer's electric brakes how hard to work and when, and getting that right is the difference between a controlled stop and a shove from behind. Tekonsha builds both major types. Proportional controllers use an internal accelerometer to sense how quickly the tow vehicle is slowing and apply trailer braking to match, so light braking stays light and hard braking is immediate. Time-delayed controllers ramp to a preset output over a fixed interval, a simpler and more economical approach that suits occasional towing.
The current brake controller range covers most of that ground. The Prodigy iD pairs with a phone through Tekonsha's EDGE technology for setup and monitoring, the P3 offers storable settings for multiple trailers and a trilingual colour LED display, the Prodigy P2 adds a dimmable display and boost mode for heavier loads, and the Voyager keeps operation simple and dependable. The Prodigy RF mounts to the trailer itself and controls wirelessly, which suits rental fleets and drivers who swap tow vehicles.
Installation is supported by vehicle-specific brake control harnesses that plug into a factory connector rather than requiring cut-and-splice wiring, along with mounting brackets and adapters. Matched controller bundles pair a unit with the correct harness. Products are tested to meet and often exceed published industry standards.
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Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2021 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | Except 2500 & 3500 |
The 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tekonsha Primus IQ Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1 to 3 Axles Gray 90160 (Part #90160 70243) fits the following vehicles: 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tekonsha Primus IQ Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1 to 3 Axles Gray 90160 (Part #90160 70243) fits 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. The 2021 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tekonsha Primus IQ Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1 to 3 Axles Gray 90160 (Part #90160 70243) is designed to fit the 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The 2012-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Tekonsha Primus IQ Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1 to 3 Axles Gray 90160 (Part #90160 70243) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The Tekonsha 6810TEK is an electronic brake control for trailers with 2, 4, or 6 electric brakes. It uses an inertial sensor to detect deceleration and proportionally apply brake voltage to the trailer brakes during braking events. It features a power knob (0.0 to 13 volts output), manual slide knob for manual braking, and a boost button with three levels to increase brake sensitivity. The control will hold the trailer with 25% of the power setting when stationary with the brake pedal applied for longer than 5 seconds.
No. The manual explicitly states: 'This control is not designed for use with electric-hydraulic trailer brake systems.' It is designed only for electric trailer brakes.
The control includes #6 x 3/8" screws for mounting (supplied with both the traditional bracket mount and dash mounting clip options). A pigtail wiring harness is also included. The manual does not specify the exact quantity of screws or other hardware items.
The control offers two mounting options: (1) Traditional Bracket Mount using a mounting bracket secured with #6 x 3/8" screws to a solid surface, and (2) Dash Mounting Clip, which attaches to the dashboard and allows the control to slide in and engage with rear slots and front legs. Both methods require the control to be mounted between -90 and +90 degrees nose up.
1. Securely mount the dash clip to a solid surface. 2. Connect the wiring harness connector to the brake control. 3. Slide the brake control into the dash clip so the rear slots in the control engage with the rear tabs of the clip. 4. Spread apart the front legs of the dash clip and raise the front of the brake control to engage with the clip. 5. The dash clip allows three mounting adjustments on each side; the final mounting position must be in the same adjustment slot on each side. 6. Adjust the control to the desired position to obtain the proper mounting angle (see Installation Guide). The front of the control must be horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel.
1. Securely mount the bracket to a solid surface. 2. Insert the supplied #6 x 3/8" screws on each side into the mounting holes. 3. Adjust the brake control to the desired position and tighten the screws until snug, obtaining the proper mounting angle. Do not use longer screws, as this may damage the unit or vehicle.
The brake control must be mounted between -90 and +90 degrees nose up. In hilly terrain, it is advisable to leave a margin at either extent to keep bars from coming on when going up and down hills. When mounted near -90 degrees, the lower bars may come on during heavy acceleration, but this will not affect braking performance. The front of the control must be horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel. Failure to install within these constraints may cause impaired performance.
Two wiring options are available: (1) Use the included pigtail wiring harness, which can be installed by following the Generic Wiring Guide, or (2) Use an OEM-specific wiring harness. If your vehicle came with a factory tow package that included a 7-way connector, you can purchase a Tekonsha OEM wiring harness with the brake control connector on one end and your specific vehicle's connector on the other.
After successful wiring, the two-digit display should show: (1) Power to brake control without trailer connected, (2) Power to brake control with trailer connected, (3) Manual knob activated without trailer, (4) Manual knob activated with trailer (e.g., 5.4 denotes hypothetical power output in volts, range 0.0 to 13 volts), and (5) Power to brake control in power-saving mode (no motion or activity for at least 15 minutes).
Do not mount or activate RF-generating items such as cell phones or two-way radios within 12 inches of the brake control, as this may interfere with operation. Do not use longer screws than the supplied #6 x 3/8" screws, as this may damage the unit or vehicle. Do not reverse the connection to a breakaway battery on the trailer, as this will destroy the control. Do not disconnect the trailer plug from the tow vehicle prior to testing a breakaway switch, or you may destroy the control.
The brake control will automatically acquire the proper level setting. It will also automatically adjust as you travel up or down hills. This means you do not need to manually level the sensor after installation.
1. Connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. 2. With the engine running, hold the manual knob full left and set the power knob to approximately 6.0. 3. Drive the tow vehicle and trailer on a dry, level paved surface at 25 mph and fully apply the manual knob. 4. If trailer brakes lock up, turn power down; if braking is insufficient, turn power up. 5. Repeat until power is set just below wheel lockup or at sufficient force to achieve maximum braking power. 6. Using the brake pedal, make a few low-speed stops to verify the setting. Trailer braking is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch; when the brake pedal is released, trailer braking ceases.
Yes. Always warm the trailer's brakes before setting the power. Warm trailer brakes tend to be more responsive than cold brakes. To warm trailer brakes, drive a short distance (1/4 mile) at 45 mph with the manual lever engaged enough to cause trailer braking at a low level.
The boost button allows a more aggressive setting for trailer brakes and is available in three levels: [b.1], [b.2], and [b.3]. Each level increases the sensitivity of the inertial sensor, enhancing trailer brake participation during braking. Use boost when: (1) you want the trailer braking to lead the tow vehicle's braking, (2) towing a full versus empty trailer, or (3) experiencing degraded brake performance. Boost is not intended to replace trailer brake adjustment or repair. Select your boost setting based on your towing situation, driving preference, and trailer brake condition. The manual provides a chart with recommended boost settings based on trailer-to-vehicle weight relationships.
With boost off [.c], power starts at zero and increases with deceleration. With boost level 1 [b.1], power automatically starts at approximately 13% of the power setting and increases with deceleration. With boost level 2 [b.2] or level 3 [b.3], power automatically starts at approximately 25% of the power setting and increases with deceleration. Each level increases the sensitivity of the inertial sensor.
Press the boost button. The first press displays the current setting. Continue pressing the boost button to advance to the next level. Five seconds after setting the boost level, the display will show the boost setting with the rightmost decimal point indicating boost is on. To return to previous settings before three minutes have passed, press the boost button again.
Yes, but you can cancel boost and hold for a period of three minutes when backing. This is accomplished by pressing the boost button continuously for five seconds with the brake pedal depressed. The display will indicate the reverse mode. After three minutes, boost and hold features will automatically return to your previous settings. You can return to previous settings before three minutes by pressing the boost button once.
The brake control will hold your trailer with 25% of the power setting while you are at a standstill with the brake pedal applied for longer than 5 seconds. This feature helps keep the trailer stationary on hills or when stopped.
The brake control will brake proportionally in reverse. It will apply the appropriate brake voltage based on deceleration, just as it does when moving forward.
The power knob range is 0.0 to 13 volts. This is the voltage output to the electric trailer brakes. The power should never be set high enough to cause trailer brakes to lock up, as skidding trailer wheels can cause loss of directional stability of the trailer and tow vehicle.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) must never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. This is a critical safety requirement to ensure proper braking performance and vehicle stability.
Brakes should be adjusted after the first 200 miles of operation when the brake shoes and drums have 'seated,' and at 3,000-mile intervals, or as use and performance requires. Adjustment involves jacking up the trailer on adequate capacity jack stands (following the trailer manufacturer's recommendations), removing the adjusting hole cover, rotating the starwheel to expand brake shoes until the wheel is difficult to turn, then rotating in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with slight lining drag. Repeat on all brakes. Never crawl under the trailer unless it is resting on properly placed jack stands.
The manual does not specify routine maintenance requirements for the brake control unit itself beyond the initial installation and power setting procedures. However, it notes that boost settings will be cleared under abnormally low battery conditions, so you should check the boost setting after starting the vehicle if the battery has been low.
After installation, verify that: (1) the control is mounted between -90 and +90 degrees nose up, (2) the front is horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel, (3) the wiring harness is properly connected, (4) the display shows appropriate readings (power without trailer, power with trailer, manual activation), (5) the power setting is correct by making low-speed stops with the brake pedal, and (6) the boost setting is correct after starting the vehicle if the battery was low.
No. The control is designed only for electric trailer brakes with 2, 4, or 6 brake applications. It is not compatible with electric-hydraulic systems.
The control includes #6 x 3/8" mounting screws and a pigtail wiring harness. An optional OEM-specific wiring harness can be purchased separately.
Yes. Drive 1/4 mile at 45 mph with the manual lever engaged at low level to warm the brakes before setting the power knob. Warm brakes are more responsive than cold brakes.
Do not mount or activate cell phones, two-way radios, or other RF-generating items within 12 inches of the brake control, as this may interfere with operation.
The brake control is mounted at too low an angle. Remount the control so it is between -90 and +90 degrees nose up, with the front horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel.
The brake control is mounted at too high an angle. Remount the control so it is between -90 and +90 degrees nose up, with the front horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel.
The display flashing for 15 seconds indicates one of the following: (1) Trailer not connected to tow vehicle, (2) Trailer connected with open circuit on brake line, (3) Trailer connector disconnected or corroded, or (4) Loss of trailer brake magnet ground. Check the trailer connection, inspect the brake line for breaks, clean corroded connectors, and verify the brake magnet ground connection.
No display with manual or pedal activation indicates one of the following: (1) Loss of power to the brake control, or (2) Loss of ground to the brake control. Check that the wiring harness is properly connected to the control and that the vehicle battery has adequate power.
The brake control is in power-saving mode due to no motion or activity for at least 15 minutes. This is normal operation. The display will activate when you move the vehicle or activate the manual knob or brake pedal.
The power control is set to 0. Adjust the power knob to the desired setting (0.0 to 13 volts) using the procedure in the Installation Guide. Start at approximately 6.0 and adjust based on braking performance.
The trailer is connected and the brake control loses connection to battery ground. Check the ground connection from the control to the vehicle battery. Ensure the ground wire is clean, tight, and properly connected.
The brake control 'sees' an overload condition during operation. This may indicate excessive brake demand or a wiring issue. Check that the trailer brakes are properly adjusted and that the power setting is not too high. Verify all wiring connections are secure.
The brake wire 'sees' a short during idle condition. This may be caused by: (1) A short circuit in the brake wiring, or (2) Use of some test lights or non-Tekonsha testers. Check the brake wiring for damage or shorts. If using a test light, use only Tekonsha-approved testers.
Power interruption occurred while the brake pedal is depressed. This indicates a loss of power to the control during braking. Check the vehicle battery voltage and the power connection to the brake control. Ensure the battery has adequate charge.
Turn the power down using the power knob. The power should never be set high enough to cause trailer brakes to lock up, as skidding trailer wheels can cause loss of directional stability. Adjust the power to a point just below wheel lockup or at sufficient force to achieve maximum braking power without locking.
Turn the power up using the power knob. Repeat the power-setting procedure (driving at 25 mph on a dry, level paved surface and fully applying the manual knob) until the power is set to a point just below wheel lockup or at sufficient force to achieve maximum braking power. If braking is still insufficient after reaching maximum power, the trailer brakes may need adjustment or repair. See Appendix A for brake adjustment procedures or consult a dealer.
No. When the control is mounted near -90 degrees, the lower bars may come on during heavy acceleration, but this will not affect the performance during braking. This is normal operation. If you want to avoid this, remount the control with a margin from the -90 degree extreme.
Boost settings will be cleared under abnormally low battery conditions. Check the boost setting after starting the vehicle if the battery has been low. Adjust the boost setting as needed using the boost button.
The 3030-037 Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring Adapter is designed for Mercedes Sprinter vehicles. However, your vehicle must be equipped with an OEM trailer tow package, which includes a green 4-pin connector located under the driver side seat. If your Sprinter does not have this connector, the adapter will not be compatible.
Vehicles not equipped with an OEM trailer tow package will not have the green 4-pin connector. If your Sprinter lacks this connector, the 3030-037 adapter cannot be installed. You should verify with your vehicle's documentation or a Mercedes dealer whether your vehicle includes the OEM trailer tow package before purchasing this adapter.
You will need: a trim panel remover, a Philips screwdriver, and wire cutters.
Removal of the driver side seat may be required to access the green 4-pin connector located under the seat. The manual notes this as a possibility but does not state it is always necessary. You should first attempt to locate and access the connector without removing the seat; if you cannot reach it, seat removal will be needed.
1. Turn off the vehicle and remove the keys from the ignition. 2. Locate the green 4-pin connector under the driver side seat (you may need to remove the seat to access it). 3. Plug the brake control adapter into the vehicle's electric brake control harness connector. 4. Follow all brake control manufacturer's installation instructions for routing and mounting the unit. 5. Perform test procedures as instructed by the brake control manufacturer. 6. Replace all parts removed during installation and ensure all fasteners are reinstalled in their original positions.
Yes. The 3030-037 is a wiring adapter only. You must follow all installation instructions provided by the electric brake control manufacturer, including how to mount the unit, route the adapter to exit the bottom of the dash, and perform test procedures. The adapter simply connects your vehicle's electric brake control harness to the brake control unit.
The maximum amperage rating is 24 amps, which corresponds to a maximum of 4 axles and 8 brakes. However, you must not exceed the lower of either the towing manufacturer's rating (as stated in your vehicle's owner's manual) or this 24 amp specification. Exceeding this limit can cause fires.
Always wear safety glasses during installation. Read and understand all warnings and instructions printed on the tow vehicle's battery before beginning. Follow all warnings and instructions included with the adapter purchase. Do not exceed the amperage ratings stated on the product or in your vehicle's owner's manual, as overloading the circuit can cause fires.
The vehicle must be off with the keys removed from the ignition before you begin installation.
You must replace all parts removed during installation and ensure all fasteners removed are reinstalled into their original positions.
Yes, the 3030-037 is designed for Mercedes Sprinter with OEM trailer tow package. Your vehicle must have a green 4-pin connector under the driver side seat. Vehicles without the OEM tow package will not have this connector and cannot use this adapter.
You need a trim panel remover, Philips screwdriver, and wire cutters.
The maximum is 24 amps (4 axles, 8 brakes). Do not exceed the lower of this rating or your towing manufacturer's rating, as overloading can cause fires.
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