tekonsha prodigy brake controller

Submitted: Monday, May 26, 2008 at 21:14
ThreadID: 58025 Views:3574 Replies:7 FollowUps:6
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Hi hope someone can help I have just fitted a tekonsha prodigy brake controller to my 100 series .On testing with multy meter at the 7 pin plug the electric brake (blue) it shows a slight pulse. When conected to the van there is a ticking from van brakes. I have been told from the supplier that this is normal if the van is fitted with a brakeaway system. Hope someone can shed some light on problem. John h(NSW).
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Reply By: Dunaruna - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 22:41

Monday, May 26, 2008 at 22:41
I have fitted over 100 prodigys to various vehicles (including 100 and 200 series LC). Never heard of this problem.

How did you connect, specifics please?
AnswerID: 306028

Follow Up By: john h (NSW) - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:05

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:05
As per instructions white- neg battery,black-30amp relay,red-dead side of brake switch blue-electric brakes. Be greatfull dunaruna if you could help been to auto electrical with no luck
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FollowupID: 572185

Reply By: Dunaruna - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 22:50

Monday, May 26, 2008 at 22:50
Caffiene has kick started the grey matter, i do recall a pulsing problem on one job.

The breakaway battery was toast and the unit was emitting a very low voltage pulse. Disconnect the breakaway battery and see if the pulse disappears.

BTW, In NSW it is law to have a breakaway battery monitor visible by the driver.
AnswerID: 306030

Follow Up By: john h (NSW) - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:18

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:18
Could you supply me with more details on brakeaway monitor and supply please.
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:59

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:59
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi22.pdf

The above is NSW Vehicle standards Information #22.

Look at the section titled 'Installation of equipment' Paragraph 4.

As far as I'm aware, this rule only applies in NSW.
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Reply By: Member - Trevor M (WA) - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 23:58

Monday, May 26, 2008 at 23:58
I have a prodigy fitted and also get a ticking from the van brakes. If I overnight without detaching the van from the vehicle, I pull the 7 pin plug otherwise it can be annoying.

The brakes seem to work fine so I assumed there was nothing to be concerned about. I mounted the system myself but had the final connection done by an auto electrician.

I have a Supreme Getaway van - don't know whether it uses the brakeaway system.

AnswerID: 306038

Follow Up By: DIO - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 08:58

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 08:58
You don't know if it uses the breakaway system. If it does it will have a cable connection between the drawbar and the towbar. If the van should detach from the tow vehicle for any reason the brakes of the van are automatically applied to prevent the van from continuing on and perhaps ploughing into an on-coming vehicle. Might pay to study up on the Owners Handbook in case you might have missed something else of importance.
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FollowupID: 572095

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 00:25

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 00:25
I get that ticking on the brakes on my Trakmaster.

It's normal.

If it keeps you awake at night just disconnect the trailer plug from the vehicle.

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AnswerID: 306042

Reply By: Gronk - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 00:59

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 00:59
I had the ticking noise on my KK camper.....only on one side and not all the time....only ticked about once every minute...just enough to keep you awake.....as the fridge was powered thru the 12 pin plug, I pulled the plug on the back of the Prodigy !!
AnswerID: 306044

Reply By: Dunaruna - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 20:17

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 20:17
I would seriously suggest you check the breakaway battery.
AnswerID: 306176

Follow Up By: john h (NSW) - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:11

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:11
I will disconect the battery onthe brakeaway tomorrow let you know what I find(hear)
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FollowupID: 572190

Follow Up By: john h (NSW) - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 18:49

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 18:49
Disconected brakeaway battery made no difference, also checked state of battery found it fully charged. What I do not understand why I have multi reading from electric brake wire on the 7 pin plug
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FollowupID: 572341

Reply By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 21:22

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 21:22
The prodigy automatically emits an electrical verification pulse as part of it's self diagnostics, the pulse is not strong enough to activate the magnets nor should you 'hear' it. Also, the prodigy automatically goes to sleep after 15 minutes of no activity.


I have scoured the tech literature to try and gleam more in-depth info without success so I have shot an e-mail of to the tekonsha support techs, hope to get a reply tomorrow.

Either the self test is not reading what it should read (open circuit or bad earth?) or the prodigy is faulty.

BTW, I know the instructions say to connect the red to the cold side of the switch but with all the interconnecting nodes/modules relying on that switch for a signal I much prefer to connect the red all the way back to the base, that way you are connecting upstream of the trailer wiring module. I'm not saying that is your problem but doing it that way takes another potential headache out of the wiring equation maze.

I will post as soon as tekonsha reply to my e-mail.
AnswerID: 306385

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