OL Error Code on P2 Brake Controller and 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question:

I have a Prodigy P2 controller on a 2010 dodge Grand caravan. The brake was installed by an expert. Wiring on the camper is new. The brakes seem to work great, but I get a intermittent OL code. It seems to happen when I brake lightly. I have gone up and down the system and the campers wiring. The brakes work. It says C and then displays the voltage properly. I have tried adjusting the voltage up and down 5.5 down to 2.0. I am just getting this OL code at random times. I have had the brakes on the camper replaced, everything brand new. The expert tells me that the brakes are engaging as they should when the should. Yet, I am still getting this intermittent OL code displayed.

asked by: Ryan J

Expert Reply:

The OL code on your Prodigy P2 brake controller indicates the brake controller senses an overload condition. Possible causes for this are a short on the electric brake wire (blue wire) or a poor ground connection.

The easiest places to start looking for causes are the truck and trailer side connectors. Make sure they are both clean and free of corrosion inside where the wires attach and on the pins. Also make sure the main trailer connector grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can further test the brake controller as well. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves, even if they are new (though it isn't likely if they are new). Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H