Troubleshooting N.C. Error Message on Tekonsha Prodigy Electric Brake Controller

Updated 03/03/2011 | Published 03/02/2011

Question:

I have a display showing N.C continuosly. No trailer hooked. Have hooked up 5 wheel and display has no change. Can not set the power when manual power knob is placed to the left. Any help would be appreciated

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The N.C. error code on the Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller could be indicative of several problems or a combination of problems. Since it shows the code with the trailer connected, it could be a short or open circuit on the brake output wire.

There could be a missed connection or a bad ground causing the circuit to not be complete. Though the problem is most likely on the trailer side, checking the wiring on the truck is also a good idea. Turn on the truck and have someone sit in it to operate the brake controller. Touch one end of a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to the ground pin on the 7-Way (7 o'clock position) and touch the other end to the brake controller pin (5 o'clock position). This should complete the circuit and the brake controller should read as though a trailer is connected.

If it still reads the error code, you know the problem is on the truck side wiring and you will need to trace the wiring back to check for loose or broken connections. On the trailer, the problem could be with the brake magnets. The magnet should have 2 wires; one should be grounded to the brake assembly or trailer frame and the other should be connected to the brake wire from the connector. Trace these wires back up to the trailer connector checking for frays, nicks, or bad connections. You may want to open the trailer connector and make sure this wire is still connected inside.

Finally, make sure that any dirt or corrosion in and on the truck and trailer side connectors is cleaned out. Corrosion build up can cause a bad ground or short which would give you any number of errors on the brake controller. I have included a link to the installation details for the Prodigy for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H