Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes Not Working When Hooked Up to Truck
Question:
When hooked up to trailer trailers brakes do not work but trailer lights do. Check plug from pickup blue wire at bumper with test light and it pulsates. Ehen brakes applied. But truck and trailer lights do not pulsates.
asked by: Jeff B
Expert Reply:
If you have the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller # 90195 that you referenced (or a similar proportional controller) on your Ram and the trailer brakes aren't working when hooked up there are a couple things you will want to check. The fact that the brakes aren't working but the lights are isn't abnormal as the two are sent along separate circuits.
I first just recommend checking how you're actually testing the brake controller. The Prodigy P3, along with many other brake controllers, are proportional units. This means they are going to send back power to the 7-Way in proportion to the vehicle's deceleration. This means if you are testing the controller by stepping on the brake pedal and the vehicle is parked, the controller is going to send back very little if any power, which can make it seem like it's not working. If you have a proportional brake controller you want to make sure you are using the manual override on the controller itself to test its output and not the brake pedal.
I next recommend checking the connection of your brake controller to the truck, whether you used a simple plug-and-play adapter or had to hardwire the unit in. If it's hardwired make sure the red wire from the controller is securely attached to the correct wire behind the brake pedal. This is the wire that ONLY gets power when the brake pedal is depressed and no power with any other function.
If you are still unable to locate or resolve the issue please let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Review
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Does eTrailer Ship to Canada
- Shop: In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: What is Towing Capacity of 2002 Toyota Sequoia
- Q&A: What Install Harness is Needed to Install Prodigy P3 Brake Controller in 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Installing Prodigy P3 Brake Controller on 2011 GMC Sierra
- Q&A: How to Install a Prodigy P3 Brake Controller in a Vehicle with a 24 Volt System
- Q&A: P3 Trailer Brake Controller Will Not Lock Up Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Does Tekonsha P-3 Brake Controller part # 90195 Include Both Style Mounting Brackets
- Search Results: 3064~p
- Search Results: circuit breaker
- Shop: Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 13" Hub/Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - 7K
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver and Coupler Lockset, Alignment Collar, and Bag - 2"
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch Reciever Coupler Lockset Alignment Collar and Bag Review
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: mirror
- Search Results: hitch up mirror
- Search Results: hook up mirror
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Brake Controller
