P2 Trailer Brake Controller Shows Not Connected when 2013 Toyota Tacoma is Running

Question:

I installed the prodigy p2 in my 2013 toyota tacoma using the prewired plug on the tacoma and the harness for the 2013 tacoma, with the swith off or in accessary the controller shows conected and I can hear the trailer brakes come on. With the swith on and vehicle running controller shows disconnected and trailer brakes do not work. NEED HELP! Thank You

asked by: Virgil C

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha to determine if they have heard of this issue before. He gave me a few things for you to look at to determine what might be causing the problem. First, make sure that the additional ground wire on the # 3040-P harness is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface.

My contact believes that there may be an issue with the day time running lights on the truck interfering with the brake signal from the controller. If you have the key in accessory and the truck is not on, turn on the headlights and the same issue might occur, the brake controller will read not connected.

If this happens then there could be a wiring issue on the trailer. Make sure that the vehicle and trailer side connectors are clean and corrosion-free. Make sure the main trailer connector ground and all the light grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. And make sure the wiring does not have any nicks in it that may be touching bare metal on the trailer.

If the issue keeps happening then try to move the trailer to see if the brakes will work when moving. If they do not then there could be a tow package wiring problem on the truck that will need to be addressed.

expert reply by: Michael H