Troubleshooting Brake Controller That Doesnt Shut Off When Car Is Off and No Key In Ignition

Updated 08/21/2017 | Published 08/19/2017

Question:

I installed a Prodigy P2 brake controller on my 2003 Suburban LT 2500 5535 and with the car off and no keys in the ignition the single decimal is displayed on the unit. Is this normal? It seems the controller is pulling power when the car is off and might drain my battery?

asked by: Mark R

Expert Reply:

It is very normal for a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90885 to have a small time period where it still appears active after a vehicle is turned off. It normally will go into a sleep mode after about 15 minutes that requires very little draw on the battery and maintains your settings. This keeps your system from needing to be reset after each stop. It would take months in most cases for a brake controller in sleep mode to drain a vehicle battery, and that would require the vehicle not be used at all during that time as well.

To check this sleep mode, I recommend checking after 15-20 minutes and peeking through your window as unlocking or opening a door may wake it back up.

expert reply by: Jason S