Troubleshooting Output Shorted, No Brakes On a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller

Published 11/15/2022

Question:

My P3 says output shortage no brakes, without a trailer being connected

asked by: Russell M

Expert Reply:

With the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 showing Output Shorted, No Brakes it is telling you there is a short in the wiring from the brake output wire to a ground or other wire. Since you do not have a trailer connected you will need to check the wiring on your vehicle. I recommend starting by disconnecting the wiring at your 7-way. I have seen instances where the current can ark inside the 7-way and cause an issue like you are seeing. You should be able to disconnect the factory wiring in different parts of the harness to determine where the short may be.

You may also try disconnecting the blue output wire from the back of the Prodigy P3. This will help you to determine if the issue is inside the controller itself and not the vehicle wiring.

expert reply by: Bud M