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.
asked by: David
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Video: Trailer Brakes and Wiring Installation
- Search Results: pro series weight distributing hitch
- Q&A: Determining Brake Controller Mounting Location on 2018 Dodge Durango
- Search Results: grease seal 10 60
- Search Results: heat shrink butt connector
- Video: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Q&A: How to Know When Trailer Brake Magnets are Worn Out and Need Replacing
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Stopped Working
- Search Results: 10 60 seal
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Left Hand - - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - Inner Diameter 1.68" - Outer Diameter: 2.33" - Qty 1
- Shop: Grease Seals (pair)
- Shop: Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Right Hand - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs to 2,200 lbs
- Shop: Bearing Kit, L44649 Inner/Outer Bearings, 10-9 Seal
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Best Grease for Trailer Bearings
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: trailer brake controller