If you have fully embraced the RV lifestyle, then you are going to definitely need a brake controller. You just shouldn’t be going on road trips with a recreational vehicle or trailer without a brake controller.
As the name implies, a controller is a device that helps you brake efficiently and safely. The weight of a trailer is a lot and it can affect the momentum and inertia of your car.
That means that braking with a trailer isn’t as simple as pressing your foot on the brake pedal. Instead, a brake controller needs to be installed and, without one, you might not really be as safe as you think.
The Prodigy brake controller is one of the best on the market today. In fact, there are many people who are buying the product, singing its praises, and telling others to do the same.
But just because it’s a great, efficient, well made brake controller doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a few problems here and there.
But thankfully, there are some handy troubleshooting tips that will help you easily address the problems plaguing your brake controller and, soon, it’ll be working better than new again in no time.
So, here are a few of the biggest and most common error codes that users stumble upon with the Prodigy brake controller, as well as all the reasons why you should work through them and fix them so you can enjoy the greatness of the device.
Prodigy Brake Controller Error Codes
1. Error Code 09
Having a brake controller is a wonderful way to keep tabs on the trailer that is attached to your car.
And the Prodigy brake controller is fantastic because it is not only efficient and does the job well, but it also comes with a display that will allow you to constantly check on the status of the trailer behind you.
You might think that you’ll know the status and well-being of your connection based solely on how it feels to be behind the driver’s seat and at the wheel. But that’s not the case.
The built-in display on the Prodigy, however, will assure that you know how your trailer is doing as it sits behind your ride.
But when you are using Prodigy, you might see the Error Code that says 09. What does that mean? How serious is it? And how do you fix it and ensure that it doesn’t come back?
The good news is that the 09 is a pretty simple error code with an even simpler solution. 09 means that the batteries powering your brake controller are dying, or that the connection isn’t working properly like it should.
How To Fix It
Obviously, this is a major issue. Your brake controller will do you no good if the connection isn’t strong and able to be detected. But the good news here is that the usual reason for this error code is a dying battery and that is simple enough to change out.
All you will have to do is pull over, replace the battery, and make sure the power is now surging as it should.
But before you do that, you should make sure that the connection isn’t failing for other reasons. You should make sure all the wires are connected tightly and that there is no huge obstruction blocking them and not allowing them to function properly.
It is only after doing that check that you should think about replacing the battery on your brake controller. You can employ a voltmeter to test the resistance between the terminals and this will let you know if the problem lies with the batteries or not.
You should also make sure to clean off any dirt or mud that has covered the brake controller and the terminals within it. These can be a big problem for the controller and can almost immediately prevent it from working well.
What could cause a faulty connection between your brake controller and its wiring? Quite a few things, actually. Think about the wear and tear that your controller can experience while being on the open road.
Not all roads are straight and smooth, there are many that provide a few bumps, shakes, and direct impacts on the structure and well-being of your brakes, your tires, and your brake controller.
What happens if you have cleaned the controller and studied the connection and the 09 error code keeps recurring? That means that it is almost certainly an issue that lies within the battery itself.
You should try to use another one to see if the controller now works well. If so, you know the definitive culprit.
2. Error Code oL
The oL error code is not as easy as the 09 one. Unfortunately, this one is going to require that you do some work or possibly even take the brake controller into a business to get it fixed.
The basic premise being oL is that there is an overload sensed by your controller. And because of this overload, the controller is being forced to shut down because it cannot function properly.
What causes an overload? Quite a few things can, but the most common issue when it comes to this error code is the wiring on your brake controller.
When these wirings start to get damaged and aren’t working as they should, they will become overloaded quickly and the oL code will be flashing on your device.
How To Fix It
Before you even encounter this code, you can avoid it entirely by simply checking on the connection of your device often.
Make sure you take a deep look at your wiring and ensure that everything looks clean, untangled, and in proper order. This should be done during every trip, several times if possible.
Every time you pull over to fill up on gas or get some food or even stretch your legs, you should take a quick inspection of the writing of your brake controller. Does everything look right? If so, you should be avoiding the oL code. If not, you might expect an overload.
Make sure that your wiring and cables aren’t rubbing against the frame of your car. This is a quick way to experience an overload. You might have to take things one step further too and buy new wires if the code continues to pop up again and again.
Why Use The Prodigy Brake Controller?
A business called Tekonsha is renowned for producing brake controls for trailers, RVs, and other vehicles. The Prodigy brake controller is one of the top products they have to offer. The ability to be fastened among most vehicles with up to three axles is the best feature of this product.
This eliminates the concern of needing to determine how well your trailer is maintained. Furthermore, you are free to put this controller on a different trailer at any time.
Buyers will receive an assortment of different items after acquiring the Prodigy brake controller. For example, the handheld remote is incredibly handy and is one of the best benefits for buying this product. It features a built-in monitor that should show all the data an RV owner needs.
This gadget runs a constant diagnostic that displays any codes for errors generated. This should assist you in fixing the issue before it becomes more serious.
Additionally, the Controller features a boost function that the client can tune. With this, they can adjust the braking intensity. The fact that this portable device may be set up without using any wires is its biggest feature.
It may be wirelessly connected to the controller by the operator. This can only be used if a power cord is connected to it. Remember that it requires 12 volts of steady power to function.
The power module, which must be put on the trailer, is the second item the user will get. These can be mounted on either of your trailer’s front. You can even position it on the tongue as an alternative.
You can adjust the configurations to suit your tastes. This is the reason why operators should experiment with it to locate the place that appeals to you.
When compared to a variety of brake controllers on the market, this product’s setup is quite simple. However, you might want to refer to the handbook that came with it if you’re still having issues attempting to mount it on your car and trailer.
You can successfully navigate set this up because it contains a tutorial that even novices can use and follow with ease.
Tekonsha offers both a helpline phone number as well as an internet assistance system. These ought to be able to direct you through the controller installation as well, if you need them to.
They are very helpful resources, especially since people who are unaware of proper, easy to follow installation information may be unable to use it.
You want to install this correctly and, thankfully, you will be able to because of all the tutorials and help waiting for you.
What is error code 05 and PL?
My break keeps jumping between those two codes.
What does it mean when controller flashing between 0.0. & .C.