What is the P.9 Error Code on a Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Controller on a 2003 Chevy Silverado

Updated 12/27/2011 | Published 12/23/2011

Question:

Do you know this code, what does it say?

asked by: Roger L

Expert Reply:

What your Tekonsha Prodigy may be trying to tell you is o.9 or P.L. If the error message occurs when a trailer is connected it would indicate that there is a bad ground connection on the brake controller. Your 2003 Silverado should have a port that the brake controller plugs into.

You can check the white wire to make sure the pin is attached correctly where it plugs into the truck. If it was bumped somehow it could have pulled loose a little. You can also check the grounds at the trailer and vehicle side connectors and make sure there is no corrosion in or behind the connectors.

Corrosion or a bad ground could also cause the P.L error which indicates there is power loss when you step on the brakes. You will want to make sure the red wire to the brake controller is showing power when you step on the brakes. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993.

If the power does not come through on the red wire when you step on the brakes or does not remain constant, then you know there is an issue associated with the red wire. The controller should still send power back to the brakes using the manual override if it is a P.L error.

You can check the brake light fuse and/or the CHMSL fuse (center high mount stop light) to make sure they are not blown.

expert reply by: Michael H