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Troubleshooting Prodigy P3 Brake Controller 90195 That Only Works with Manual Override  

Question:

I have a tekonsha P3 controller. When first connecting to the trailer everything works fine. When I am moving I get an error and no trailer brakes. I have pulled the emergency control and everything locks up as it should.

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since the manual override on your Prodigy P3 trailer brake controller # 90195 properly operates the trailer brakes even when they do not otherwise function in normal driving, this tends to suggest that the unit is okay but that it may be installed with an incorrect orientation.

The Prodigy uses an internal accelerometer to sense vehicle braking. This device cannot function properly unless the controller is positioned correctly relative to the direction of travel. Please refer to the linked diagram that shows correct and incorrect horizontal orientation.

Another possibility is that there is a bad connection at the unit's red input signal wire, which takes in the brake light signal from the vehicle. Check that this connection is secure.

A third possibility is a weak ground on the trailer, either at the brake assemblies and/or at the main ground. When you hit the manual you are sending full power out, and this can sometimes overcome a weak ground, while normal power levels when driving may not. Check that all grounds are made to clean bare metal surfaces free of primer, paint, grease dirt and rust. you can also try running ground jumper wires from the brakes up to the main trailer connector.

expert reply by:
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Adam R
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