The Trailer Brakes are Weak When Cold and Harsh When Warm Using a Tekonsha Prodigy P3

Question:

Hi, I recently purchased a tekonsha p3 for use pulling a 07 Jayco Jay Feather 29 D with my 06 Toyota Sequoia. I followed instructions setting it up and have used it on the road a couple times. I have noticed that both trips start out with the brake controller working perfectly very smooth braking. After traveling for 20 or 30 minutes I am finding that the braking action becomes very aggressive. Noting the readout on the controller, when the trip begins I can lightly press the brake and stop with reading between 2 and 3. At the end of the trip, it is not possible to softly brake light pressure on the pedal produces a much higher reading in the 5-6 range. Help?

asked by: Charlie

Expert Reply:

I spoke to my contact at Tekonsha about the problems you are experiencing with your Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. They speculated that the initial drive test was not performed with the trailer brakes warmed up. This would cause the brakes to feel weak when cold and then aggressive as they warm. I recommend re-performing the drive test when the brakes on the trailer have been properly warmed.

You can see the instructions to complete the above process on page 5-6 in the owner's manual. The note at the bottom of page 6 also explains why the brakes need to be warmed when the drive test is performed.

expert reply by: Conner L