Troubleshooting Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller Installation in 2003 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

Hello Im Jamie I just bought a 2003 chevy silverado truck it has a tekonsha prodigy #0000084281 box. Everything works with my trailer lights and brakes but when I cut on my head lights the brake box starts to show numbers and when I hit the brakes the lights come on. So I just left lights off and continued to tow . today I went to tow and the brake box didnt light up checked all wires and fuse all is good got power going to plug in back of brake box but it still dont light up and brakes dont work on trailer. Good the box be bad? Maybe it was shorting out and making my lights act up . I think its a prodigy p2 box can you buy just the box?

asked by: Jamie

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Prodigy P2 brake controller # 90885 is available on its own without the matching wiring harness # 3015-P that joins it to your under-dash connector.

Based on what is happening I think you may have a wiring issue in the trailer and/or vehicle connectors. Corrosion can build up inside or on the electrical contacts in a vehicle socket or trailer plug and that corrosion can cause different circuits to become bridged together. For example, if the 12V auxiliary power circuit was bridged to the brake circuit this could cause problems and even damage the controller internally.

If you are certain that the black 12V power wire to the controller is delivering power and still the unit does not light up then it is damaged and it should be replaced. But before you install a new Prodigy take the time to carefully and thoroughly inspect the truck socket and the trailer plug for any signs of corrosion. Correcting this issue first will reduce the chance that your new controller suffers the same fate.

expert reply by: Adam R