Troubleshooting a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 That Is Braking Too Hard
Question:
2001 F-250 Trailer brake system problem I have a trailer brake/brake box problem. I plug it in and all is fine. Green light on controller. When driving though, I depress the brake pedal, even lightly the light goes off and the brakes break very hard. If I am going slow, it will lock up the wheels. If I continue to hold pedal down often it will let loose again, the normal red light comes on, and I get normal breaking. If I let off and try again, it does the lockup again. A couple of times I let up on the brakes but they do not release, causing me to lurch several times until they let go. I have looked but can’t seem to find any bad wires. I do have a multimeter, so if there is a systematic way to trace and test the brake system, I would sure like to know. BTW: It all worked fine for a year before this started.
asked by: Stan T
Expert Reply:
I recommend first checking your vehicle's 7-way for any corrosion or debris that may have built up. It sounds silly, but often times these problems can come by after corrosion builds up which can cause your Prodigy P2 # 90885 to act funny; especially since you mentioned it worked fine before.
There could also be a possibility that your boost/gain might be set too high for the trailer you're towing. I'd recommend checking the owner's manual for your Tekonsha and ensure that the settings are correct for your trailer size.
If that all looks fine, and your wiring is good like you say, then the issue is going to be with the unit itself and will need to be replaced. I recommend also checking out the FAQ I've attached that goes into detail a bit on how you can test and check your brake controller.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 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
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for 2013 Wildwood 26TBSS Hub Drum with AL-KO 8700
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Q&A: How To Add a Fuel Tank To a Truck with 5th Wheel Hitch In Bed
- Q&A: Recommended 16' Mesh Tarp for Dump Trailer
- Q&A: How to Bleed Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: What is the Estimated Installation Time for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags on a 2006 Ford F-250
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Q20 and the Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitches.
- Article: Best Camper Jacks
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)