Manual Override Not Activating Trailer Brakes from Tekonsha Prodigy P2 on 2012 Dodge Ram

Question:

Just replaced all the backing plate brake assy on my 2007 featherllite enclosed trailer with the never adjust backing plate assy. Brakes on trailer work fine when they are activated in sequence with the tow vehicle brakes. The issue is that the manual lever on the prodigy will not activate the trailer brakes. I have two Prodigy P2s and tried both of them and neither one will activate the trailer brakes with the manual lever. Thanks for any assistance that you may be able to give me. :- Sincerely

asked by: Lee K

Expert Reply:

It is very unusual for the brake controller to work with the brake pedal but not with the manual override lever. I recommend testing your wiring and brake controller with the Tekonsha 7-way Trailer Emulator Blade Style Connector # 6562. This emulator is designed to work with Tekonsha brake controllers, like the P2 # 90885, and simulates a load bearing trailer. With the emulator you will be able to confirm if you are getting brake power with the brake pedal but not with the manual lever. I have attached a review video of # 6562 for you.

You will also want to check to make sure there isn't a ground issue with the trailer brake grounds. It is best to run all of the brake grounds to the main trailer ground. Sometimes the brake pedal will send small amounts of amperage to the brakes even with a ground issue at the brakes, but the manual lever will not work if there is an issue at the trailer brake grounds.

If indeed both of your brake controllers do not activate the brakes with the manual lever, and there is not an issue with the brake grounds, it is possible that the controllers are faulty and would need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Victoria B