Troubleshooting Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller thats Not Getting Power
Updated 04/28/2014 | Published 04/24/2014
Question:
My prodigy 2 brake controller will no longer turn on or do anything after only 8 months of use. I dont see a fuse or anything and checked the harness plug into the unit. Could there have been a short or something or maybe just a bad unit? Have you heard of this problem before? How can I test if it is the unit? I was thinking Id have to buy another and swap out but there has to be a better way. Thank you for any help.
asked by: James
Expert Reply:
For starters, I've linked you to our Brake Controller Troubleshooting article. The article contains several helpful strategies for diagnosing and correcting problems with a brake controller.
Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and check the black wire feeding the brake controller. You should find a constant 12 volts on that circuit. If you do not find power on that circuit, how to proceed next will depend on the vehicle. If the controller has been installed by plugging it into a connector under the dash, unplug the wiring adapter from the plug, and make sure the connection between the black wire and the plug on each end of the wire is tight, and that the wire is fully seated in the plug on each side. Use your circuit tester on the pins in the plug under the dash, the pin that corresponds to the black wire in the plug should show a constant 12-volts. If it does, you know the wiring adapter or controller is faulty. If you do not find power at that connector, a blown fuse is indicated.
The location of the fuses that protect the towing circuits can vary by vehicle, but they are typically found in a power distribution box under the hood. Your owner's manual or the lid to the power distribution box will show a list of what fuse protects which circuit.
