Troubleshooting Intermittent Power Issues with Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller

Question:

I have a Prodigy 2 brake controller on my 2013 BMW X5. It has always been terrific until last summer when I started having intermittent times where I suddenly had no trailer brakes electric brakes. Then a few minutes later I had brakes again. Also, again intermittently, the display on the controller would suddenly show NC even though the trailer was connected. Other times it would display OL. None of this is constant. I replaced my power plug but that didnt solve the issue. Is it my controller? Or is it a wiring problem? Ive tried testing with a multimeter all the power connections and everything shows power. Help please!!

asked by: Ed M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like a short in your wiring because connection comes and goes intermittently. The OL code is for overload showing too much current draw on the brake controller output wire and the NC is showing no trailer connection which is lack of power draw on that same wire. This could be from a short, a bad brake magnet, or a bad ground connection which could be at the magnet, the main trailer ground, the 7-way connector, or the brake controller itself.

I recommend testing the wiring on your tow vehicle first without the trailer connected. If you check the 5 o'clock pin on your 7-way while hitting the manual override on your brake controller you should have power. If there is a break between this or an error, you should run a new wire # 12-1-1 to your brake controller.

Next clean all your connections on both sides of your 7-way with sand paper or steel wool and then use dielectric grease # 11755 to keep moisture and debris out. Then check each ground connection for bare metal to metal contact and finally check your brake magnets. I've attached an article to assist with checking them using a multimeter like # PT89ZR.

expert reply by: Jason S