Setting up Prodigy brake controller

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 15:03
ThreadID: 43447 Views:4608 Replies:4 FollowUps:3
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I have installed the unit in the vehicle and the readout says I have the correct connection to the trailer. My problem is that when I went for a drive to set the thing up I just couldn't get the trailer brakes to lock up as per the instructions i.e. find lockup setting then back off a bit. I had the thing turned up to full and still no lockup. So what's the secret to getting it set up correctly? Brakes are fine since they are new.
Thanks in advance from the Moose.
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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:01

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:01
2 thoughts.

Had the same problem with mine, so you are not alone :o)

Found the brakes needed adjusting. Adjusted them up a little and all OK.

Or,
maybe not getting full voltage through.
Can you hear them working if some one lese puts their foot on the brake when you are standing next to the trailer?
AnswerID: 228592

Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:16

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:16
Can hear a buzz/beep sound when brakes applied. Also a clicking sound when moving and brakes applied.
Might give the brakes a tweak up and see if any better.
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FollowupID: 489314

Reply By: Flash - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:01

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:01
Probably brake adjustment or voltage loss....
Many electric brakes will not lock up with full voltage. Can be a problem with brake adjustment, or faulty brakes, or low voltage AT the brakes.
If you see full voltage on the display, the prodigy can do no more- after that it's up to the brakes. They may simply need somemore "bedding in" but I would be suspicious of voltage drop from the controller back to the brakes- there is plenty of potential for voltage drop with a long wire run and plug connection.
AnswerID: 228593

Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:20

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 16:20
This may be a dumb question, but... what voltage would I be looking for at the brakes? I'm assuming 12v but with electrics I'm totally lost :-)
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FollowupID: 489316

Follow Up By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 17:08

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 17:08
The prodigy usually displays the voltage being put out.
I think that might be on manual brake selection?

i.e. 6.6 is about 6v, and 12.3 is about 12v.

Also, check you have a good earth from the brakes through the trailer to the car.
Sometimes worth running a good earth wire back to the battery from the trailer plug.
You could be putting up to 20amps through the system, so if the current can't get back to the battery, the brakes won't work so well!
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FollowupID: 489326

Reply By: Gerhardp1 - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 17:43

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 17:43
When the brakes are new, they are not fully bedded in - that applies to the magnets as well as the brake friction surfaces.

I had the same thing - brakes wouldn't lock until fully bedded.

As mentioned, make sure your wiring is good - at least #5 wire from the battery to the prodigy and then to the brakes, as well as a #5 earth wire back to the battery on the car from the trailer. DON'T rely on the towball to provide the earth - it won't. And if you have a tregg hitch, you will have even less chance of an earth.
AnswerID: 228621

Reply By: Gronk - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:21

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:21
Have a prodigy and a KK CT and have never got the brakes to lock up on the tar, even though they still work pretty good..
Adjusted up the brakes, checked voltage etc....maybe the setup of the brakes themselves ??
AnswerID: 228763

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