Prodigy Brake Controller Always Shows 0.8 to 1.8 Output Without the Brakes Applied

Published 06/06/2012

Question:

I have a 2002 chevy silverado Z71 4X4 and I am pulling a 30ft travel trailer weighing 5800lbs. While pulling the trailer the prodigy brake controller always shows a number like .8-1.8 and I was wondering if this was normal or does it mean that brakes are constantly on and if so how to correct this problem.

asked by: Dwight R

Expert Reply:

If the brake controller is showing 0.8 to 1.8 that means that it is sending power back to the trailer brakes. It could be a little bit of a short circuit. To determine if it is the controller, sever the blue wire a few inches back from the controller.

Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the brake controller end of the blue wire. If it shows power even when you are not applying the manual override, then there is a short in the controller and it will need to be replaced. But first, try fully engaging the manual override and letting it snap back into place several times to clean off the contacts and retest to see if that fixes it.

You can also check the trailer connectors for dirt and corrosion. Clean out the vehicle and trailer side connectors of any corrosion. Corrosion can also build up in the backs of the connectors where the wires attach so check those too. Also check the magnet grounds and wiring to make sure there are no nicks in the wiring that my be touching bare metal.

I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers how you can further test the magnets.

expert reply by: Michael H