How to Test a Prodigy P2 Brake Controller

Published 09/30/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have an Tekonsha Prodigy controller. What is the best way to test it and se if it is working? Thanks

asked by: Jorgen

Expert Reply:

Does the display light up when your vehicle turns on? That would indicate that the controller has power and is grounding properly. If a trailer is connected it should read .c on the display and if there isn't a trailer connected it should read n.c. If you apply the manual override lever with a circuit tester on the brake output pin of your vehicle's 7-way you should see voltage register there. That would indicate the controller is working properly.

Lastly, you could try connecting it to a trailer with brakes and see if it functions properly.

If not, check out the FAQ article I attached on troubleshooting brake controller installs.

For a more in depth way to test the controller for if it doesn't seem to be working properly sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.