Why Does Proportional Brake Controller Not Generate Full Output When Vehicle is Still

Question:

Hi I am having trouble with my trailer brakes if I put a test light on the pin for the brakes and press the peddle I only get a very dim light and with a volt meter very low voltage even if the controller is at max... but if I use the manual control on the controller than I get a full 12v... is that normal 06 ram 2500 2017 rice 20foot lowboy trailer

asked by: Zak

Expert Reply:

The brake controller behavior you described is normal for a proportional type unit like the Prodigy series controllers from Tekonsha, such as the P2 # 90885 and the P3 # 90195.

Because proportional brake controllers have an internal sensor (an accelerometer) that detects your motion they will not send out full power when you are still unless you use the manual override lever. This is perfectly normal for a proportional brake controller.

Time-delay type controllers will generate their selected output even when you are still.

expert reply by: Adam R