Brake controller error

[dodge man]

I have a Teknosa Prodigy(sp?) controller on my 2002 GMC pickup. I don't tow very often, maybe 6 times a year. I've towed with it a couple of times with no brake problems. Normally when I drive the truck, it shows "no trailer" on the display or the company logo. Lately off and on, it says "short to battery, no brakes". It seems to do this more often when its raining or snowy out, but I'm not sure about that.

The truck has the factory wiring for the trailer and brake controller, I just had to hook it up and it worked fine at first. Is this a real problem, or will it be fine when I hook it up to the trailer? Has anybody else had this error when a trailer isn't hooked up? I've hesitated hooking it up to the trailer because I figure the minuted I hook it up it will not display the error.

 

[KB9UDE]

I had the same controller in my 2001 GMC 2500HD...It was acting the same way. When it was wet out I would get the error just as you are and I was hooked into the factory wiring. I never did find the problem. The truck is sold now.

 

[ace10]

I've never had a problem with my Prodigy. Three years going, plenty of hook ups and drops.

Factory wiring on an '08 Tundra. This was a true plug and play device in my applciation. I try to keep female contacts clean on the truck. And the plug on my trailer lives in a little covered holder.

$22 for a tester....
Amazon.com: Innovative Products Of America 7893 7-Way Flat Pin Tractor Trailer Circuit Tester: Automotive

 

[KB9UDE]

I am wondering if this could be a GM harness problem??????

Has anyone with a NON-GM truck had this problem??

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 7 round plug on the GM trucks have caused tons of issues. Since its been snowing like crazy my guess is the issue is back there. Check not only the 7 pin connections under the spring loaded cover but also the plug on the backside and the wiring.

On my 05 Dmax it was a issue causing the running lights and turn signals to blow fuses.

Chris

 

[KB9UDE]

Chris, It could be snow related also but mine did it in the summer also. The truck could sit through a gentle rain and when I would go out and start the truck I would sometimes get this error.

 

[tcartwri]

We had that same controller in our F550. We had what we thought was an intermittent short somewhere in the trailer, and literally chased it for a couple of years. It would show a Dead Short error the first couple of times you applied the brakes, and then it would be fine for the rest of the trip.

The last thing we did was bypass the Ford dash harness and get the power directly from the power point in the relay box, with 10g wire all the way through. Solved all of our problems, and gave us 100% more power to the brakes.

BTW, the Ford harness is supposed to be designed to support these controllers. It was the last thing we suspected.

 

[dodge man]

Mine also did it when it was warmer out.

 

[Soundguy]

The 7 round plug on the GM trucks have caused tons of issues. Since its been snowing like crazy my guess is the issue is back there. Check not only the 7 pin connections under the spring loaded cover but also the plug on the backside and the wiring.

On my 05 Dmax it was a issue causing the running lights and turn signals to blow fuses.

Chris

ditto that 1000%.. DP beat me to it. my 7 pin plug on my 00 yukon looked good.. but the plug behind it was green!


I also now try to make a habit of hosing my plug connectors out with a spray oil to disperse water..

soundguy

 

[davkir]

Dielectric grease on the pins and sockets helps with moisture and corrosion problems.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Mine also did it when it was warmer out.

Check the plug anyway. It will not cost you a thing and will give you somewhere to start.

Chris

 

[timswi]

Check the plug anyway. It will not cost you a thing and will give you somewhere to start.

Chris

I'd check the plug too, although I've only ever had issues with aftermarket 7 pins (the wire connections rusted and grounded out).

Never had a problem with a factory GM plug.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'd check the plug too, although I've only ever had issues with aftermarket 7 pins (the wire connections rusted and grounded out).

Never had a problem with a factory GM plug.

Main issue is the door that is spring loaded. They do not make a good seal and break off easily.

Chris

 

[KB9UDE]

:confused2: You know now that I think about it, I had to replace the turn signal \ hazard switch assembly and according to the dealer something had shorted it out. I am wondering now if these issues could have been connected?

 

[Soundguy]

let us know when you find out!

 

[KB9UDE]

If you are refering to my post, I sold that truck last week.

 

[dodge man]

Thanks for the advice, it sounds like I need to check the connections at the back of the truck first.

 

[Soundguy]

that's at least where I would start. past that look for interuptions in the brake power line.. next look at the brake power line on the truck.. sometimes no grommets are used and the wire to the magnet rubs on the frame.

soundguy

 

[dodge man]

Keep in mind I'm getting this error WITHOUT the trailer hooked up.

 

[Gryantaylor]

I have had the same problem with the same controller in my 04 Dodge. I get the error after I run through the car wash and when it wet outside (warm or cold) but seems to last longer in the cold. I've cleaned and greased the connections to the plug with no change. Interestingly when I'm pulling in the rain it has never been a problem (knock on wood). Beyond checking the plug for moisture I have followed the wiring harness from front to back (not as easy as it sounds) I didn't find any damage. I also checked the current output of at the plug when I received the error and compared it to when all was normal and had exactly the same readings. I'll be most interested to know if anyone has identified the problem.