Trailer Brakes are Not Locking Up After Switching to a P2 Brake Controller

Question

Question:

I replaced my old brake controller with a prodogy 2 this past week. I set the power to 6 and went all the way up to 13 without ever getting a brake lockup. The unit seems to stop the trailer well at any power setting from 6 to 13. Any ideas what is going on? I dont get any codes at all. I would appreciate any help you can share with me.

asked by: Bobby O

0

Expert Reply:

When you are testing the brake controller, are you just using the manual override on the P2 or are you using the brake pedal? The manual override will provide the full power (to however high you have it set) whereas the brake pedal will cause the brake controller to brake proportionally with how much the truck is braking.

Also if your old controller was a time delay, that works differently then a proportional controller. Some people that make the switch complain that they cannot feel the trailer braking with a proportional control but that is the point. It is much less wear and tear and more efficient.

You also may need to adjust the trailer brakes. I have included a link to a video that covers adjusting the trailer brakes. Fast forward to about the 4:40 minute mark and you can see how our installer adjusts the brakes.

And you may also have a wiring issue either between the brake controller and the trailer connector or on the trailer. You can test this by disconnecting the trailer and then using a multimeter # PT89ZR. Set the voltage on the brake controller to maximum. Then use the tester to test the pin in the 5:00 position while someone sits in the truck and applies the manual override on full. You should see the maximum voltage, about 12 to 14 volts, at the trailer connector.

If significantly lower, under 10 volts, the power is being interrupted somewhere. Make sure that the trailer connector is clean and free of corrosion. Also make sure the back of the connector where the wires attach is free of corrosion. Do the same for the trailer side.

Inspect the wiring to the brake magnets. Make sure the wiring is all intact with no breaks in the wires or exposed strands. Make sure the grounds are connected to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Then visually inspect the magnets. If you can see the windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced.

To further test the magnets with the multimeter you can follow the FAQ article I have linked. I have also linked an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Trailer Brakes are Not Locking Up After Switching to a P2 Brake Controller

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