Differences Between Tekonsha Prodigy and Prodigy P2 Brake Controllers

Updated 12/28/2011 | Published 12/27/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2763)

$159.00

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

A friendly hello and happy holidays to you, I travel full time in a motorhome and tow a utility trailer. My current prodigy brake controller has been reading n.c. After some trouble shooting, Im leaning towards the fact that it might be a controller gone bad. If I order the new P2 version, are all of the connectors the same? Is it essentially plug and play with the existing connector form the original version of the prodigy brake controller? And, I understand that there have been some major technical upgrades on the new controller. Can you please explain to me in very simple terms what benefits the new version of the controller would have over the original version? Kind appreciations

asked by: Shad H

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the well wishes!

There are two primary differences between the original Tekonsha Prodigy and the newer Prodigy P2. The P2 will actuate electric over hydraulic trailer brakes, where the original Prodigy will not.

The original Prodigy needed to be mounted so that it was between level and 70 degrees above level. The P2 can be mounted in any orientation needed, as long as it is level on a side-to-side axis and parallel with the direction of travel.

The P2 also features a blue LED display, versus the red display for the original, and the connector that plugs into the rear of your Prodigy will work just fine with the P2.

The n.c. error code indicates that for some reason, the controller is not reading that there is a trailer connected.

Although I would love to sell you a new controller, let's make absolutely sure the one you have is faulty before replacing it. Check the trailer connectors on the motorhome and on the trailer. Look at the sockets and pins for white or green corrosion. If you can see any corrosion, it is possible that the corrosion has spread to the interior of the connector and is preventing the signal from getting through. Clean or replace as necessary.

Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test the blue wire as it exits the rear of the controller. You should see voltage when the manual switch is activated.

Trace the blue wire (which carries the output voltage from the brake controller to the trailer brakes) back from the trailer connector to the brake assemblies. Make sure the wires are not pinched and that the insulation is not cracked or worn through. Check the connections at each brake magnet, ensuring that one lead from each magnet is connected to the brake wire and the other lead is securely grounded to clean metal. Pull the brake drums off and check the brake magnets for excessive wear. If you can see the copper wire through the face of the magnet that rides against the brake drum, the magnet is worn and will need to be replaced.

I have linked you to the instructions for both the original Prodigy and the P2. I have also provided links to other helpful information about brake controllers.