Troubleshooting a Prodigy Brake Controller in RV That Does Not Actuate Trailer Brakes

Updated 09/27/2011 | Published 09/26/2011

Question:

when i use the manual lever it actuates the trailer brakes just fine,but when push on the brakes in my Rv the numbers on my controller start to go up buy revert to .c.and do not actuate my trailer.Could you give me any help? Thanks

asked by: Bob L

Expert Reply:

On the Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller, I would recommend using a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, and check the red brake wire connection between the brake controller and the stoplight switch.

You will want to test the red wire on the back of your brake controller, and it should be connected to the cold side of the brake light switch and show power only when the brakes are applied. If it has no power when the brakes are applied, then the red wire is attached to the wrong wire in the brake light circuit. Using your circuit tester, you will need to find the correct wire in the brake light circuit that is hot only when the brakes are applied. Also, you might check if there is a blown fuse in the vehicle's stoplight circuit.

Next thing I would do is check all the wires from the brake controller for proper voltage. Use the circuit tester on the black wire exiting the rear of the controller to ensure the controller is receiving power. Test the blue output wire as the manual override is actuated to check output. I am including a link to a video that will show how to test the brake controller.

Also, I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy brake controller and a link to a video review of the Prodigy brake controller. The video will describe the features and gives some installation and troubleshooting tips of the brake controller.

expert reply by: Jeff D