Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Has Shows no Signs of Life and is Over 20 Years Old

Question:

I need to troubleshoot an older Tekonsha Sentinel controller in my old 97 Dodge Dually. It worked just fine until about a year ago, and it now appears to be completely dead no lights, nothing. It was dealer installed when the truck was new, so Im not sure about how it was installed, or where to look for a blown fuse, etc. Any suggestions, and would there possibly be a wiring diagram available? I will await your swift reply. Thanks,

asked by: Dave L

Expert Reply:

Due to the age of the controller and what you described most likely the controller has shorted out. But if you can verify that the black wire of the controller has 12 volts of power ran to it and the white wire is grounded and it is still not showing any signs of life then you know for sure it has given up the ghost.

For a brake controller replacement I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C