Prodigy P3 - doesn't turn off?

JJB · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 06:05 PM

I just installed a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 controller in my Tundra. To make it easier, I ordered the 3040-P Toyota Brake Control Harness.

I plugged it in, and everything seemed good. Except it doesn't turn off. Seems this harness tapped into the battery connection, rather than switched power.

Did I get the wrong adapter? Or is there a way to turn it off? I didn't see that mentioned in the manual.

Also - this adapter harness had two white (ground) wires. One went from the back of the controller to the mating connector in the truck. The other white wire was a ring terminal I suppose for grounding the controller. Isn't the ground supplied through the harness, and therefore doesn't require an additional chassis ground?

Blackdogs · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 08:34 PM

JJB:

Your brake controller is wired directly into the battery and bypasses the ignition switch. Think about it, would you want the brakes on your trailer NOT to work if you turned off the ignition or the truck started rolling without the key in it? The prodigy will turn off automatically after 15 to 30 min. and it will turn back on if you activate the brake pedal even with the ignition off.

core64 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 12:11 AM

Mine doesnt stay on for 15 mins, I would say more like 5-10 mins, it may be different for every unit. Turn you engine off, then check it after 30mins, it should be off by then. If it is still on after 30mins you might wanna call Tekonsha customer service.

JJB · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 07:54 AM

Thanks all... I didn't leave it on long enough to see it time out. I'll plug it back in and be patient.

Oh, and I saw another thread discussing the extra white ground wire. I'll be looking for a good grounding location for that today.

quarque · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 05:47 PM

JJB - where did you buy it? Price?

JJB · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 06:36 AM

Tekonsha P-3 Trailer Brake Controller - Proportional 90195 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

asianflava · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 11:22 AM

I got mine here, it's a little cheaper:
Tekonsha P3 Prodigy Series Trailer Brake Control

When I bought it, there was a $20 rebate from Tekonsha so I got it for $107, which made it cheaper than a Prodigy. You also get free shipping.

quarque · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 09:29 PM

thanks JJB and asianflava

GraetWhyte · #9 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008, 08:16 PM

I installed a "Pull to Open-- Push to Close" type circuit breaker. If the my P3 doesn't shut off I can manually open the circuit. Also I don't have to power it when not using it.

montecarlo31 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:18 PM

I picked my P3 up for 115 out the door (i.e. FL 6% sales tax). I think that's a good deal. I also got my 20 dollar mail in rebate so it was really 95 bucks out the door. That included the harness for the truck but not installed.