Troubleshooting Prodigy Trailer Brake Controller Causing Dash Light Errors
Question:
I was having problems with my 08 silverado, my abs light, brake light and traction control lights kept coming on randomly and then would shut off like if I hit a bump. I tried all kinds of things and nothing seemed to be working. One day while working on it I noticed the lights were on my prodigy trailer brake controller, I hadnt touched the brakes. I walked away for a bit and they were still on. I unplugged the controller and the lights havent turned on since. Would my controller be bad or is it wiring, I dont wanna buy a new controller if it really isnt broke. Thank you
asked by: RJ L
Expert Reply:
Sounds like it could be the way your brake controller was installed. I would first check the connection of the red wire, this should be connected to the brake light switch wire that is only active (hot) when the brakes are pressed.
Since you have a 2008 this newer body style has been known to need to be hardwired when installing the brake controller to function properly. I have linked a step by step Help Article for you to look at.
I would also recommend to clean out any corrosion inside of and outside of the trailer connector and inspect the wiring to it. The fact that the lights go out when a bump is hit would indicate a loose connection or short.
If you could you tell me which Prodigy brake controller you have, P3 # 90195 or P2 # 90885, and what is showing up on the display screen when the errors are occurring, I would be more than happy to continue to troubleshoot this issue with you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Why Would Brake Controller Cause Vehicle Brake Lights to Periodically Come On
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Trailer Brake Controller Options for a 2023 Chevy Traverse with Tow Package
- Q&A: Replacement Dexter Hub for 8-91A Hub
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: How to Make 6-Way Square to 7-Way Adapter
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Possible Replacement Trailer Tire for a 145R13 Trailer Tire
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop