Troubleshooting No Brakes on Trailer When Using Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195

Question

Question:

I changed my controller to the P3 and still no brakes.

asked by: Rene H

0

Expert Reply:

First let's start with the connectors on your vehicle and your trailer. You'll want to check to make sure that both are free of dirt and corrosion.

If both connectors are clean, we can move onto testing the vehicle. Using a circuit tester like part # PT89ZR, have a helper hold the manual override on the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90195, while you test for power on the brake output pin at the back of the vehicle. If you have power we can move onto the trailer.

No power would mean that the issue is on the vehicle and you will need to sever the blue wire on the back of the brake controller and while holding the manual override, test for power. If the blue wire has power then there is an issue with the circuit running from the controller to the connector. In this case you have two options, trace the wire to look for damage and repair it or simply run a new wire. Most choose to just run a new wire.

If there is no current on the blue wire, there is an issue with the controller or it's installation.

As for the trailer, if it has been narrowed down that this is where the issue lies, you'll want to check to make sure that the main ground and the brake grounds are attached to a clean metal surface.

Finally, if you are still unable to locate the problem, you will need to check the trailer brakes and brake magnets themselves. I have included a couple videos for you.

expert reply by: Leah S

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Answer 1

The Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller, item #90195, has built in troubleshooting diagnostics that you can access by pressing the menu button then selecting help and pressing ok. You will then be able to monitor the battery voltage supplied to the unit,…

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Answer 2

I am not entirely sure what process you took so I'll give you some other things to try, or maybe a different way to test the Prodigy P3 #90195. First, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use a circuit…

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Answer 3

If you sever the blue wire leaving the P3 controller part #90195 leaving enough room to reconnect it and test the end of the wire leaving the controller with a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 you should see voltage when you slide the manual…

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Answer 4

The overload warning you are seeing indicates that the P3, #90195, detects an excessive current overload condition during operation. This means that there is most likely a short in the brake output wire. The P3 has diagnostic troubleshooting…

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Answer 5

Since the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 is a proportional controller it is normal to only see 2 volts when applying the brakes if you are not moving, even though when you use the manual override lever you are seeing 12 volts. The #90195 has an internal…

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Answer 6

The Prodigy P3 trailer brake controller uses a 4-wire hookup. The white wire is to be grounded to the battery negative terminal; the black power wire connects to the battery hot terminal through a circuit breaker; the red wire takes in the brake…

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Answer 7

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 will draw 1 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a tandem axle trailer and 1/2 amp of current per volt sent to the trailer brakes on a single axle trailer. Therefore, the…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

The brake controller port on a 2021 Ford F-150 (if equipped) will be located behind the coin tray in the center console. This will be accessed by removing the panel under the steering wheel. I have attached a video which shows this below. For a brake…

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