Difficulty Pairing Tekonsha Prodigy RF # 90250 Brake Controller with 2012 BMW X5
Published 02/07/2015
Question:
I have a 2012 X5 I am trying to pair my Prodigy RF with. Initially, I found the misfits that had wired my trailer had the +12V connection grounding to the trailer. This had blown my 25 amp fuse in my factory fuse box. I addressed this and validated Im now getting power via test light to the +12v prong on the BMW plug outlet. I went one step further and grounded the ground prong on the Prodigy unit to the trailer and then tested that the +12v prong on that unit was getting power when connected to the BMW. Indeed it is. However, my controller inside simply flashes nc indicating no connection. Ive validated grounds on the trailer. Ive tried the setup process multiple times to no avail. Its also perhaps worth mentioning that I use a Tekonsha Primus wired unit on my 4Runner with this same trailer with no issues. Please help! :
asked by: Kyle
Expert Reply:
The manufacturer of the Prodigy RF, Tekonsha, tells us that many European SUVs (including your X5) will throw a wrench into the works during the pairing process. These vehicles have a system that senses if a bulb on the vehicle or the trailer is burned out. This sensor works by sending a test pulse of voltage through the trailer connector every so often. During the pairing process, this can confuse the RF unit into thinking that the brake pedal is being pressed at the wrong time, which interrupts the process.
There are a few methods to fool the lamp out sensor that will allow the controller to be paired. You can plug a trailer connector tester, part # TR20117 into the RF module while you are pairing the module to the remote. The best method is to use a second vehicle with a functioning 7-way that doesn't have a bulb out sensor. Hitch your trailer to your X5, but back another vehicle with a functioning 7-way close enough so that you can plug the connector from the RF module into the second vehicle instead of your Mercedes. Then, proceed with the pairing process, plugging the remote into the 12-v outlet in your X5. Once everything is paired, you can plug the connector into your vehicle and everything should work correctly.
