Installing a Brake Controller...
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 338
Likes: 25
From: Hooterville, WI
Installing a Brake Controller...
I really don't have a need for one right now, but I've been shopping for a car hauler and will probably get one with at least one axle electric brakes. I found a brand new but opened Tekonsha Prodigy on eBay and won it for $75. I got everything that comes with it as well as 2 Superduty harnesses (If anyone needs one hit me up). I got it plugged in and mounted and it didn't turn on. I checked for fuses and relays and none of them are there. I know I need to get a couple relays to finish the job but I found two fuses that I'm pretty sure I don't need. One is for heated seats the other is for ESOF, neither of which I have. Since I don't have those options I'm surprised to see fuses there. Anybody see any problem with me moving them to the backup lights and controller power spots?? They are the correct rating to go there.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Odds are other equipment are on those circuits. You can try but if you lose anything you need to buy more fuses.
I've messed with some vehicles that require the key be on for the controller to work. then for the display or LED to light, you had to press the brake pedal.
I've messed with some vehicles that require the key be on for the controller to work. then for the display or LED to light, you had to press the brake pedal.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
That is an option. However, the install is much faster and easier if you have a direct pnp harness for the truck and controller. If you don't have pnp, then it's still easier to solder the truck and controller harness together. I've done a hand full of universal installs, the power wire was fairly easy, I hated tapping the brake switch on chevys, and running that blue wire back with the factory harness was always a pain but more so on the dump trucks. With my experience more installers and users will just go to the factory harness for ease.
you can't fix stupid!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 2
all the brake controllers ive messed with wont turn on unless you have a trailer plugged into the plug in the back of your truck. kinda like completing the circuit....
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
what models are those? They should be self grounded and have a little red light or LED display that activates when you press the brakes. Hoppy, Valley and draw tite models I have installed and run, have all lit up regardless of having a trail attached.
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My old Tekonsha Voyager had to be plugged into the trailer for the display lights to work. My current Prodigy has two small led's that light up whenever the vehicle is turned on and after about 15 minutes of non-use it powers down. It will also show different displays like "NC" for no connection. Read the on-line manual if you don't have one. As far as fuses I think it was a 30 or 40 amp maxi fuse for the brake controller.
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