Troubleshooting Full Power At Brakes With Manual Override But Partial Power When Using Brake Pedal  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90885 is a proportional brake controller. This means that it activates trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action. Something like lightly tapping your brakes resulting in gradual slowing will not apply your trailer brakes with full force. It also has power settings which can be adjusted. The manual override applies full power to the brakes when you use it.

Since the manual override is working, and you are at least aware that the brakes work to some degree when you hit the brakes in your 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, you probably need to adjust the power to the trailer brakes. I recommend following the instructions from the P2 which are as follows:

1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle.
2. With engine running hold manual full left and set Power Knob to indicate approximately 6.0
3. Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 mph and fully apply manual knob.
3 If trailer brakes lock up:
Turn power down using power knob.
3 If braking was not sufficient:
Turn power up using power knob.
4. Repeat Step (3) until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force as to achieve maximum braking power.
5. Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops to check the power setting. Trailer braking is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch. When the brake pedal is released, trailer braking will cease.

expert reply by: Robin H

0