Troubleshooting Stuck Brakes with a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller
Question:
The controller will not disengage and the only way to turn it off is to unplug the unit. I have had the unit off for over an hour, reinstalled the unit and it still will not disengage. The entire ti
asked by: Walter R
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you are having a wiring issue that is either at the brake controller, at the trailer connector that is at the rear of your vehicle, or the trailer connector on your trailer.
If you used a vehicle specific wiring harness from the brake controller to tow vehicle I would first check to make sure that you have the correct one for the year/make/model of your vehicle.
Sometimes different vehicle will use the same connector, but the wiring of the connector will be different and you would have to swap some wires on the connector to allow the brake controller to function properly.
If you are unsure about functionality of the wires underneath your dash I would recommend you use a circuit tester, part # PTW2993.
If you had to wire the wires of the controller individually I would check to make sure that you have wired the brake controller to the right wires. If you had the wiring done wrong you could end up with your trailer brakes not functioning properly.
Next, I would check the trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle. If the connector was wired wrong and you had, for example, the 12 volt power wire run to the brake output circuit you would see the brakes locking up. I attached an FAQ article below that shows how the different trailer connectors are typically wired.
The same is true for the connector on your trailer, you should check to make sure it has been wired correctly also. The wiring FAQ article below also has info on how trailer connectors should be wired.
I attached installation instructions below for the # 90885 as well as an FAQ article on wiring a brake controller from scratch that you might find informative.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Q&A: Instruction Manual for Tekonsha Podigy P2 # 90885 Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: bx7380
- Search Results: hitch lock
- Search Results: trailer lock
- Search Results: tekonsha
- Search Results: d ring
- Search Results: e track
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Trimax Universal Trailer Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16" Couplers
- Shop: Brophy Swiveling D-Ring Anchors w Backing Plates and Hardware - Bolt-On - 2,000 lbs - Qty 4
- Shop: EZ Lock Trailer Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16" Bulldog Collar-Lok Couplers
- Shop: EZ Lock Trailer Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16" Bulldog Collar-Lok Couplers
- Shop: Mud Flaps
- Search Results: bx2805
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: 2016 Forest River Ford E350 Brake Controller Port Location
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly
- Q&A: Should I Have Constant 12 Volt Power On Brake Output Pin On 7-Way Connector
- Q&A: Should Blue Wire From Brake Controller Have Constant Power