Troubleshooting A Tekonsha RF Prodigy Brake Controller That Won't Pair To The Remote

Question:

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy RF for my 2023 Mazda CX-9. I have never been able to get my brake controller to pair. I only receive the .c.e. Communication Error response after it tries to pair. I have tried pairing from the driver’s seat and also using the aux port in the cargo area of my vehicle, so I know it isn’t a range issue. My Mazda has a U-Haul installed 4-pin connector which I then plug into a bumper-mounted 7-pin adapter. My adapter does not have any wires associated with it, just the ports for the 4-pin and 7-pin connectors on either side. I have never been able to get brake controller to pair. Having everything hooked up, all of my trailer lights work properly, so I know power is getting to the Prodigy RF device. Do I simply have a bad device or is there something else I am missing? Thank you,

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your 7-way only has the 4-pole connector running to it and there isn't a fused line ran from it to the battery then you only have light functions going back to the trailer and nothing sending power for the brake controller to actually function. You need some 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 and will need to connect it to the pin in the 1 o'clock position when looking at the face of the 7-way connector on the CX-9 (11 o'clock position from the back side). You'll want to use a 40 amp circuit breaker # 9510 on this power line close to the battery. You'll need a couple of ring terminals # 44-5310A to connect to the circuit breaker.

Once you have power running through the 7-way back to the brake controller you should be able to pair it to the remote.

expert reply by: Kevin C