P2 Trailer Brake Controller Shows Connected to Trailer Intermittently on a 2011 Ford Flex

Question:

We bought a p2 with #3035 adapter for our 2011 Ford Flex. When conected to the trailer the P2 sometimes shows conected and works properly, then it will switch to not conected and the back again. We have replaced the trailer brake magnets, checked wiring at the breaks. Finailly we pluged in someone elses prodigy not P2 with red LED and had no problems. Thought that it might be a bad P2 so we bought another one and had same problem. Could this be a software issue or do you think that we are having a wiring problem?

asked by: Christi

Expert Reply:

The most likely culprit is a dirty trailer connector either on the vehicle side or trailer side or both. The P2 is more sensitive than its predecessor and it could also be that it is mounted slightly off or that the power is not adjusted high enough. Also if you grounded the new brake magnets at the same place as the old ones, try moving the ground location.

Make sure that the P2 is not tilted to the side or turned to the side as indicated in the instructions, linked for reference. Then go through the set up process to adjust the power to the right level. If you are still having issues, it may be the harness # 3035-P. A loose connection or break in the wiring would cause this issue.

I have also included a link to an FAQ article that covers common brake controller issues and how to test them. If you believe the controller is bad, this article will help you test to find out if the issue is the controller or if you need to look elsewhere.

expert reply by: Michael H