Should there be Voltage on Red Wire when the Brake Pedal isn't Pressed When Installing Prodigy P2?

Updated 06/18/2024 | Published 06/15/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$160.88

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1793)

$18.94

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$13.68

Question:

Installing a Prodigy P2 brake controller into a 2001 f350. Replacing a Draw Tite that was showing a consistent 12volts. There is an existing connector plugged in coming down to bare wires. When I test the red wire, it goes directly to ground when the brake pedal is not depressed. In the Prodigy instruction sheets , there’s a warning about this happening for certain year Fords if hooked up incorrectly to the brake position switch. Your video for the P3 in a 2001 F350 just shows plugging it in. Is the red wire acting correctly?

asked by: Terran

Expert Reply:

Hey Terran, It is normal to have zero voltage on the red wire when the brake pedal is not pressed. That is working correctly. Try testing the red wire when the brake pedal is pressed with a circuit tester part # PTW2993, as long as you are showing voltage when it's pressed you are fine.

You should have a way to plug in a wiring adapter in the 2001 Ford F-350 with part # 3035-P. It sounds like you can unplug that existing connector and use the wiring adapter that plugs right into the back of the Prodigy. This is a much easier way of wiring in the brake controller. Did your truck come with a factory 4 or 7-way? Feel free to shoot me a picture of what you are looking at.

expert reply by: Heather A