Prodigy Brake Controller Draining Truck Battery Overnight

Updated 03/21/2013 | Published 03/18/2013

Question:

My prodigy brake controller has recently started running the battery down overnight, even without a trailer. The leds never go off. If I disconnect the 12 volt feed I see a pretty significant spark. Otherwise it works ok.

asked by: Robert J

Expert Reply:

Which Prodigy do you have, the original or the P2?

My contact at Tekonsha tells me that if the power to controller is interrupted and re-established in rapid succession, like when you are replacing your battery, the processor of the original Prodigy can be confused which would cause the display to behave erratically or to remain on instead of going into sleep mode and shutting down like normal. Unplugging the controller for several minutes and plugging it back in should allow the processor to reset.

Even if this is the case, the LEDs of the controller should not draw enough power to drain the battery overnight.

Assuming that the battery is in good shape and the alternator is operating properly, the most likely cause is an internal short to ground in the brake controller, which would explain the spark seen when you unplugged.

If leaving the controller unplugged overnight solves the problem, it would confirm that the controller is faulty and should be replaced.

expert reply by: Mike L