Recommended Installation For Prodigy P3 Brake Controller On 2006 Chevrolet Kodiak Truck

Question:

I took a cheaper version brake controller off my 2006 Kodiak thinking it was having issues, i.e. didnt work all the time, intermittently messed up cruise control so it wouldnt come on and gave me a few brake codes. Turns out it isnt the controller but perhaps the way its wired? I hooked up the P3 and the screen immediately says power loss/ verify brakes. The brake lights also immediately come on and the brake booster is running. Unfortunately the previous owner has wired all the wires with same color wire, but is heavy gauge, so it will be hard to trace but before I start I wondered if you could save me some steps. Obviously the brake lights arent on before I hook up controller. I am familiar with the button on pedal when brake pedal is depressed it sends volts to brake lights so that was first thing I checked. This doesnt seem to have one and Im not sure where to start. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Kevin S

Expert Reply:

You are going to have to start from scratch on your Kodiak to install a brake controller. I have attached a link to a helpful article that explains how to install a brake controller from scratch. I have also attached a drawing that shows how the wiring should be run when installing a brake controller.

You will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the wires on your truck. I recommend removing the wiring that was installed or severing the wires so you can start with a clean slate.

I assume you have a 7-way connector at the rear of the truck, and it is working properly but the brake controller wiring is where the problem is.

You will need to find the stoplight switch under the dash. It is typically at the top of the brake pedal and will only show power when the brake pedal is pressed. If you are unable to locate that wire you can look in the truck fuse box for the third brake light fuse and use a fuse tap like part # F2526. This is where you hook the red wire from the brake controller to.

The blue wire from the brake controller is connected to the pin designated for the brakes on the 7-way connector at the rear of your truck.

The white wire coming from the brake controller is the ground and should be attached to a clean bare metal surface on the vehicle.

The black wire on the brake controller is for the 12V power and should be attached to the positive battery terminal using a circuit breaker. If you have 2 to 4 brakes on your trailer you will want a 20-amp breaker like part # PK54220. For 6 to 8 brakes use part # 38630.

You may be able to use the wiring that exists when installing the brake controller, but you will need to be able to identify each one, so you make sure you attach it properly. Test each wire by function with the circuit tester.

If you need new wiring, I recommend part # 10-2-1. This is jacketed 2-wire 10 gauge and is sold by the foot. If you just need the blue primary 10-gauge wire for the brake controller you can order part # 10-1-1. These are each sold by the foot.