Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller 90885 Shows Error Message SH Indicating Short

Question:

Question I keep getting an SH message on my control. Ive had the wiring tested and found no bad connection. I am pretty sure that the controller has gone back I sometimes have good connections and then step on my brakes and show an SH readout. I would like to know if the wiring harness on the P1 and P2 are the same. And if I can buy a new controller and plugged the old wiring harness into the new controller. Thank you.

asked by: William C

Expert Reply:

The SH error message on your Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller # 90885 indicates that the controller senses a short circuit. Since this issue comes and goes it is likely that there is an intermittent short on the blue brake circuit wire on the trailer.

When the trailer is stationary, as when you are having its wiring tested, it may not show a problem; but when you are driving the normal vibration and movement of the wiring may be causing an intermittent short. You can inspect the trailer connector itself for corrosion (that might be bridging two adjacent contacts) and the brake circuit wire all the way from the trailer connector back to the brake assemblies.

Look for worn spots and for cracks in the wire insulation, especially in places where the wire touches the trailer frame or has to make sharp bends. Repair with electrical tape or replace any wire that shows any signs of worn or damaged insulation.

I have linked an article concerning troubleshooting trailer wiring that may help you diagnose the problem.

The quick-connect wire harnesses that install between the P2 # 90885 controller and the under-dash port on a vehicle are the same for either controller. You can use the existing harness on a new Prodigy controller. The linked photo shows the flat connector that plugs in at the back of both Tekonsha controllers.

expert reply by: Adam R