Troubleshooting Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller With Drag At Setting B3
Question:
I have a 04 Dodge 2500 5.9 and J am towing a Outback travel trailer. 7800 lbs. I set my controller to B3. Brake setting at 7.3. Once I have it set the controller shows anywhere from 1.5 to 1.7 with no pressure on the brake. You can walk to the area of the trailer brakes and heard the brakes actividated. What is going on?
asked by: David C
Expert Reply:
The button on the right on the Tekonsha Prodigy is the Boost button. The boost levels are pre-set based on how much the trailer weighs in comparison to the tow vehicle. For example, by pressing the button once, it will display what the current boost level is. If you see ".c" that means the boost is off. If you see ".c." (with the second dot) that means it is on. Every press of the button changes the boost level up to b.3.
A boost setting of b.1 is for trailers that weigh less than the tow vehicle. A boost setting of b.2 is the for a trailer that weights nearly the same as the tow vehicle. A boost setting of b.3 (the highest) is when the trailer weighs up to or more than 40 percent of the vehicle.
At b.1, when the brakes are applied, the power starts out at 13 percent of the power setting and increases as you slow down. With b.2 and b.3, it starts at 25 percent and increases as you slow down.
I have included a link to the instructions below. On page 2, you will see a section on the boost settings, including a helpful chart that explains in more detail when each setting should be used.
Since there is drag on your brakes at this setting, I would change the settings and see if there is still drag present. You may need to adjust your brakes. The brake controller is sending some braking signal on this setting, so you will want to check the other settings to see if it is an isolated issue or something you consistently get. It is time to break out the multimeter like # PT89ZR and check the voltage coming down that trailer brake line that is in the 5 o'clock position on your trailer connector at the back of your truck. If it is isolated, I recommend using a different setting. If it is consistent, you will need to trace wires to figure out where the additional power is coming from.
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