Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Sometimes Indicates a Trailer Connection

Question:

I have a prodigy 2 brake controller on my 98 ranger and sometimes when i apply the brakes with no trailer attached the controller lights up as if Iam towing a trailer what could be the cause of that

asked by: Julian E

Expert Reply:

Most likely the problem is corrosion on the brake output circuit of the 7-way you have installed on your 1998 Ford Ranger. Corrosion on that pin can cause the brake controller to detect a load on the circuit (since corrosion can cause shorts), and that can trick the controller into thinking it is connected to a trailer.

Try inspecting and cleaning the 7-way connector at the back of your Ranger and clean it with fine grit sandpaper to see if that fixes the problem. Otherwise the problem can be on the back of the connector. Look for corrosion or cut/exposed wire there and fix as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C