Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install that Causes Error Code When Override Lever is Applied

Published 12/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.19

Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode

(120)

$23.25

Question:

Hi, I just finished wiring up the Prodigy P2 in my 2017 Toyota Highlander. Without yet connecting a trailer, I took the car for a drive. Everything seemed OK. I tried activating the manual knobinch even though there was no trailer attached. My toyota immediately popped up the message: Pre-Collision System Malfunctioninch and turned off the Pre-Collision System. Turning the car off/on made the error go away. I subsequently tried turning off the Pre-Collision System as that is recommended in the Toyota User Manual. However, even with the Pre-Collision System turned off, when I activated the manual knobinch on the Prodigy my toyota immediately popped up the message: Pre-Collision System Malfunction. Can you tell me: 1 does this error message mean that engaging the manual knob is causing harm to the Toyota? 2 Do you recommend just ignoring the message assuming that I have turned off the Pre-Collision System? 3 Is there something else that I should be doing? Thanks

asked by: Paul B

Expert Reply:

We have the # ETBC7 which would be the kit you'd need to make the conversion to a 7-way from a 4-way, but we do not have a different kit wth a brass socket or anything really similar. The 7-ways do last surprisingly long.

The double edged sword to using one that has a gasket to seal the lid is that if moisture does get in it's trapped and wouldn't easily evaporate.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Paul B.

12/7/2017

Jameson C.

12/7/2017

You should double check the wiring you used when installing the controller. Typically an error like what you described is where the red wire of the controller is connected. You need to make sure it's connected to a wire that only sees voltage when the brakes are applied. Controller are designed to put voltage back on the circuit they are attached to when the override lever is pulled to activate the brake lights of the trailer in that situation. So what you can do is install the one-way diode part # RM-690 on the red wire circuit with the IN side pointing to the wiring of the vehicle and the OUT to the controller. That will stop the controller from backfeeding power on the stoplight circuit.