Troubleshooting Input Short Error On Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller

Question:

Hi, I have a Prodigy P3 Brake Controller and were towing our pop-up with a 2016 Expedition. Last trip on our way home the controller had an error message that the INPUT was shorted. Ive seen lots of mention of OUTPUT being shorted, but I havent been able to locate more info on the INPUT SHORTED. Is inputinch generically referring to the trailer mail 7-pin connector? Thank you for any help you can provide!

asked by: Dan O

Expert Reply:

A brake controller gets 12 volt input from the brake switch. It is basically telling the brake controller that you have stepped on the brake pedal. This would be the red wire coming off the back of the controller and would be wired to the cold side of the brake switch. You could always go in with a tester like part # PTW2993 and verify if you are getting 12 V signal on this red wire when the brake pedal is being pressed. An input error like this likely means we have a short on this red wire and your input wire will need to be repaired or replaced. It might be as easy as just fixing a small damaged spot on the red wire. Fingers crossed!

It is possible that there could be an issue with the OEM brake switch. I do not have an OEM replacement but you could use a universal stop light switch like # RM-751000. This would allow us to get a consistent input to the brake controller. If there is an issue with the OEM brake switch this is something I would encourage you to address as soon as possible.

I have included links to an install and review video for the stop light switch kit if you would like to take a look.

expert reply by: Jesse M