Troubleshooting Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller that Doesnt Recognize Trailer
Updated 02/24/2025 | Published 11/14/2016
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Question:
2004 chevy 2500HD with Prodigy 2. With 7-pin plug plugged in I get all trailer light functions turn, hazard, running, brake, but brake controller no longer shows .C. for trailer connected signal, and trailer brakes do not activate. Was working before a 30 min stop, when turned truck back on everything works but not brakes...bad controller?
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
It's possible the brake controller is bad, but you definitely want to check some other things before you purchase a replacement. The first thing to do is inspect both the truck's and the trailer's connectors to make sure the pins are clean and free of debris.
On the trailer connector at the rear of your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado test the pin at the 5 O'clock position with a circuit test like # PTW2993. You'll need someone to engage the manual lever on your P2 for this. If this checks out then the problem is on the trailer side, and you'll need to inspect the trailer's wiring from the 7-way on back. I've attached a help article on testing the brake magnets as well.
If you don't show any power on the brake circuit while testing the 7-way the next thing to look at is the fuse. I found an online copy of your truck's owner's manual and according to it the fuse you want to find is underneath your instrument panel in your truck, to the left of the steering column. It's labeled TRAILER. This is the fuse for your trailer brake wiring. You might want to verify the location with your owner's manual to be sure.
If the fuse is fine test the power wire (black wire) going to the controller and inspect the wire running from the controller to the 7-way (blue wire). Make sure there aren't any signs of damage or extreme wear. If the wire checks out finally you'll want to test the brake controller itself. The best way to do this is by performing a bench test with a 12 volt battery and test lamp.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Single Trailer Only
- Tekonsha
more information >
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on Trailer Brake Controller
Jason T.
7/9/2020
I have the prodigy P2, and when mashing the brakes and the blue adjustment wheel on the left is in the middle, I get different readings from 1.5 to 6.7 ish, it is all over the board and not the same twice. when I move the prodigy controller, that affects it majorly but cannot find the "sweet spot" where it will read the same 2 times in a row. thank you for your help.