Tekonsha Prodigy RF Turns Off and On When Turn Signal is Used

Updated 05/26/2017 | Published 05/24/2017

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LCD Digital Circuit Tester

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16 Gauge Primary Wire - White - Per Foot

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Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 5

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Question:

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy RF brake controller installed on my trailer. It works well, but I have noticed that sometimes, when I have the turn signal on as I am braking, the braking indicator alternates between the braking number say, 3.2 and .c When this happens, I can feel the brakes on the trailer turning off and on. If I turn of the turn signal, the braking becomes smooth again. Is this a defect with the Tekonsha?

asked by: Mark A

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha and the problem that you are experiencing is most likely caused by faulty wiring on your trailer.

The (discontinued) Tekonsha Prodigy RF 90250 works by activating the brakes when there is a signal on both the Left Turn/Brake and Right Turn/Brake wiring functions. If your turn signal is causing the RF to act up then you will want to do some tests to see where the wiring problem is.

Check to make sure that the ground on both your tow vehicle and your trailer is secure and has clean metal-to-metal contact, then check your connections to make sure they are secure and do not have any corrosion built up.

You will then want to test the connectors on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. You can use a Circuit Tester # PTW2992 to test the functions on your vehicle and then you can either hook your trailer up to a different vehicle or a separate 12V power source to make sure everything is operating correctly.

If you find a function on either your tow vehicle or trailer that is not working correctly then you will need to trace the wiring and look for any places where it is bent, damaged, exposed, or corroded and replace it. You can use 16 Gauge Wire # DW02359-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05744-5 to do so.

I have attached a few helpful article on troubleshooting wiring for you to check out as well.