Forum Discussion

mike-uswest's avatar
mike-uswest
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2020

Prodigy Brake Control ?

I have a Prodigy brake control on my truck and having a problem with it. I tried calling the company to ask some questions and they won't talk to you if you don't have the prof of purchase. I have had it probably 15 years, so there is no way. When towing my travel trailer it seems to work fine. When I attach the 7 way plug the light comes on showing the C that it is hooked up on the unit under the dash, and the numbers come up when applying the brake showing the level of brake application. I also have a large work trailer that has always worked before, but I was hauling some material yesterday, and there was no response on the control when the plug was attached. I had never tested it before, but when I checked the pin in the plug it did not show any charge coming back to the plug on the truck 7 way when I had my wife pull the lever on. I went back and hooked it up to the travel trailer and it is still working fine on it. The wires look fine in the work trailer 7 way plug, and back to the brakes at the wheels. Shouldn't there be a charge at the truck pin in the 7 way plug when the brakes are applied? I'm just trying to figure out how this works and where to go to get this working again. Thanks.

Mike
  • mike-uswest's avatar
    mike-uswest
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2020
    Thanks for the answers, what is there about the P3 that makes it better? If I go back to another P2, it is a 5 minute job to take one out and put the new one in. It has worked fine for years.

    Mike
  • wski's avatar
    wski
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2020
    mike-uswest wrote:
    I have a Prodigy brake control on my truck and having a problem with it. I tried calling the company to ask some questions and they won't talk to you if you don't have the prof of purchase. I have had it probably 15 years, so there is no way. When towing my travel trailer it seems to work fine. When I attach the 7 way plug the light comes on showing the C that it is hooked up on the unit under the dash, and the numbers come up when applying the brake showing the level of brake application. I also have a large work trailer that has always worked before, but I was hauling some material yesterday, and there was no response on the control when the plug was attached. I had never tested it before, but when I checked the pin in the plug it did not show any charge coming back to the plug on the truck 7 way when I had my wife pull the lever on. I went back and hooked it up to the travel trailer and it is still working fine on it. The wires look fine in the work trailer 7 way plug, and back to the brakes at the wheels. Shouldn't there be a charge at the truck pin in the 7 way plug when the brakes are applied? I'm just trying to figure out how this works and where to go to get this working again. Thanks.

    Mike

    Sorry to hear about your Prodigy brake controller, but I would not give up. I had a Prodigy P3 that started throwing a PL code. I contacted the company through their website and obtain a new controller under warranty. My controller was 10+ years old and I did not have a receipt. I was told to send them a photo of the controller along with the serial number. They sent me a new one with instructions on how to return the old one. They even paid shipping on the return. However, due to the current lock down, I have not had the opportunity to use it. I wish you the best of luck...
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 20, 2020
    Ok if it is acting up at 15 years I would simply grab a new P3 and get on with my day.
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2020
    Take a picture of the receipt...as many receipts are printed on thermo paper, which fades over time

    I then put the receipt in the manual. Along with writing the date, where, $$, and serial number on the manual
  • mike-uswest's avatar
    mike-uswest
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2020
    The plug on the work trailer looks good, and it really doesn't get that much use. I just watched a video on the Prodigy use, and it said that without the trailer on it when you turn on the key, it should show a NC, then two dots. It used to do that, but it doesn't now. I have noticed that when first starting out with the travel trailer I have been getting some weird messages on the controller, but I would push the brake lever over, and it would straighten up. I did buy it new, so I may have gotten the warranty on it, I can't remember yesterday, let alone what I did 15 years ago. I may just call them and go in as if I had my ducks in a row. Thanks.

    Mike
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 20, 2020
    OK the controller does not know what you put in the 7 pin connector. If your RV trailer works, the controller works. I think you have a problem with the construction trailer.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Apr 20, 2020
    The " they won't talk to you if you don't have the prof of purchase." comment I do find interesting.

    I called them when my trailer magnet was buzzing without touching anything, no warranty or proof of purchase. They were VERY helpful and said to unplug the unit for a few seconds and re plug. I did so and all was well.

    I would give this a try just for CHITZ N Giggles.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2020
    Does that work trailer have a battery that needs to be charged? If it's just the brake-away battery, is it wired to be charged?
    If you do have a battery on that work trailer, it may be a simple prong connection problem. The prongs tend to loosen up over the years on the plug. I had to replace the one on my fifth wheel because it was just wore out.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,106 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 26, 2025