Tekonsha Prodigy Trailer Brake Controller Flashes SH
Question:
On my 2006 GMC 2500 HD I am getting a flashing H5 code on the display of my Prodigy Brake controller. I cannot see the model number but it looks like the 90185. What does the H5 indicate?
asked by: Gene E
Expert Reply:
If you are seeing H5 then the controller must be upside down because it is likely SH which indicates a short. If the controller is upside down it needs to be turned the other way for proper operation.
The likely cause of a short is a dirty or corroded trailer connector on the vehicle or trailer. You will need to make sure there is no dirt or corrosion on either connector inside and out.
You can also test the controller. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.
If it tests fine then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.
You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.
If the truck side checks out fine then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.
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Pete A.
1/10/2021
No trailer connected SH just started flashing on start up and idle. SH continued flashing even when truck is turned off with key out. Severed blue wire, controller still flashing SH. no voltage coming out on blue. Applied manual brake switch and SH stops flashing and shows constant but still can’t read any power on blue. Unplugged controller and checked voltage in harness. have 12v between black and red, black and white, and 3-4v between black and blue. Not sure where to go next.