Forum Discussion

whistlebritches's avatar
whistlebritches
Explorer
May 20, 2016

problem with brake controller not engaging brakes

When we got our Cedar Creek out of storage last weekend, we found that our Prodigy brake controller was giving us an error message. The brakes lights and turn signals all work on the 5th wheel. We took it to a rv dealer who said it could be the magnet on the wheel. My question is, do all four wheels have magnets, or is there just one on one wheel?
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    May 21, 2016
    Take a look at this post by member JBarca. Scroll down to the 4th, 9th and 10th pictures to see what the magnets look like. Each wheel that has brakes will have a magnet in it.
    Barney
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    Which Prodigy controller do you have? What is the error the prodigy giving?
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    May 20, 2016
    If this is your first outing this year, you need to burnish off the rust in the drums where the magnet contacts the drums. While driving out I manually apply the brakes for the first 100 yards or so. The brakes will start to grab as they should
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    May 20, 2016
    Go to "Towing" section and read up on posts under the "Intermittent Brakes" topic. Think you'll find your answer there.
  • cmeade's avatar
    cmeade
    Explorer
    May 20, 2016
    First step is to pull the breakaway and determine if the trailer brakes are working correctly and then proceed with your troubleshooting. On loose gravel slowly drag the 5ver and see which wheels don't lock up and start there.
  • SARGUY's avatar
    SARGUY
    Explorer
    May 20, 2016
    I would check for a bad ground or a loose wire somewhere in the system.

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