Tekonsha controller error?

[TankerIP]

I have an older Tekonsha Prodigy. Just recently when I apply the brakes the maximum indication is only about 0,4 - 0.5, regardless of how I have adjusted the little knob wheel on the left. If I need more brakes I can reach down and squeeze the right push knob. When I do that, I can feel the trailer brakes going on and the indicator then will go as high as 4.0 - 5.0.

So, I assume my problem is in a faulty controller, connections, truck brake sensor or whatever. I really don't know how these things work. But it seems I can definitely send a signal back to the trailer and those things work.

Any ideas/experience here?

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by TankerIP

I have an older Tekonsha Prodigy. Just recently when I apply the brakes the maximum indication is only about 0,4 - 0.5, regardless of how I have adjusted the little knob wheel on the left. If I need more brakes I can reach down and squeeze the right push knob. When I do that, I can feel the trailer brakes going on and the indicator then will go as high as 4.0 - 5.0.

So, I assume my problem is in a faulty controller, connections, truck brake sensor or whatever. I really don't know how these things work. But it seems I can definitely send a signal back to the trailer and those things work.

Any ideas/experience here?

Is this when moving or sitting still? I had a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 and it had an inertial sensor. It had to be mounted properly and sensed the G-forces from stopping and that is what controlled the braking, not pedal pressure. If you are moving and it is not putting out pressure, make sure it is leveled in accordance with instructions.

[TankerIP]

While moving. I am very much aware of it now. If I have to make a more sudden stop with the trailer in tow, I reach down and put my hand on the controller, then use the manual 'squeeze' application as needed to help brake with the trailer. I can feel the 'bump' of the trailer tongue as the trailer brakes are applied slowing the trailer a little more than the truck.

I really don't know how these controllers operate internally. I suppose it has to sense the application of the truck brakes somehow.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by TankerIP

I really don't know how these controllers operate internally. I suppose it has to sense the application of the truck brakes somehow.

Yes. In the simplest form, there's a wire from your brake lights that tells the controller to apply the trailer brakes.
I have the Prodigy P-3 and it has sensors to feel how hard the brakes are applied and send appropriate volts to the trailer brakes.
I did learn to avoid tilting the controller in the bracket while pushing the brakes.

[Tim A.]

My idea: buy a new controller. Just the hint of a malfunction in something that controls a safety feature like braking gives me the chills. Less than $150 for a new Prodigy is cheap insurance.

Tim

[AldeanFan]

Maybe post a pic of your controller or the model number so we know exactly what you’re working with.

Basically the brake controller is wired in to the brake lights so when you hit the brakes the brake light wire tells the brake controller “hey we’re stopping, do your thing”.

The brake controller then determines how much power to send to the brakes. For time based controllers this is determined by the amount of time the brake lights are on.
For a proportional controller brake power is determined by the rate of deceleration determined by an accelerometer inside the brake controller.

I had an issue with my trailer brakes not activating this past summer. I called tekonsha and they helped me diagnose the problem. I’m my case the brake controller was fine and it was the brake light switch in my truck.