I am a whiz when it comes to electronics but not mechanics. I am currently in Downeast Maine and on our trip up here yesterday, my Prodigy Brake Controller began flashing "n.c" and then going back to "c.". Looking at the manual, it says one of a few issues,
first, the Shore Line was disconnected, checked that several times and not the case.
Secondly, it mentioned "trailer connected with Open circuit on brake line", am I right in assuming that it is referring to possibly a broken wire and a search would possibly be fruitful.
Third, "Trailer connector disconnected or corroded." It is a year 1999 trailer, if I were to attempt to breakdown the corrosion, what would I need, I remember using WD40 at one time for something in regards to the electronics, but I am not exactly sure, so I would like some confirmation.
Lastly, it states, "Loss of trailer brake magnet ground". Now I somewhat understand the idea of ground, but where in the brake system would this be found and how would I test it for problems?
Any help would be appreciated because to take it to a dealer that could deal with this issue would mean a trip up to Bangor up and down some pretty good hills that I would rather not traverse unless I really have to and have checked all the things that I could possibly repair myself.
Please put a description of your rig in your signature to help us figure out your problem. Depending on the age of your truck, the RV receptacle on the truck my be corroded inside. I have had that experience with a couple of tow vehicles that I have had. It sounds like an electrical connection problem and it could be anywhere between the controller and the trailer magnet. Start by checking the most common trouble spots first and the tow vehicle connector is a good place to start.
If it were me, I would start with the 7-pin connector. Sometimes the connector pins get bent from use and just need to be bent back. Use a flat head screwdriver and insert it into each connection slot to bend the brass connector back to it's original shape. Check and clean the connectors and if necessary use a small fine file to remove any corrosion. You can also use some electrical joint compound to ensure good connection.
If this doesn't work I would make an inspection of visible wires to see if one may have been compromised. I would also consider hooking up another trailer or using a voltage tester on the truck to see if you can isolate the problem.
2005 Airstream Safari 28' w/slideout
2006 Ford F250 PSD FX4 Lariat w/ Tow Command
Hensley Arrow Hitch
I had a similar problem a couple years ago. I took it to an RV dealer. They removed all four wheels and found the wiring that goes to one of the brake magnets was rubbing against a moving part. It had worn through the wiring insulation so this was giving an intermittent problem for the brake controller. Sometimes the brakes worked and sometimes no brakes.
The Prodigy has the ability to detect an open connection and a shorted connection. I'm going to suggest you explore by crawling under the trailer and view a couple of things; has the trailer been wired using those cheap "Marr" connectors which are a type of wire nut that typically 'screw' onto a number of wires that have been stripped of insulation for about 1/2", re-doing those connections will help clean up a corrosion problem. Also, does the wiring from one side of the trailer go to the other side and it's wheels via the inside of the axle, if so replace that wiring with same guage but on the back side outside of the axle instead and secure with a number of plastic/nylon wire ties.
If the wiring inside the axle has been moving to and fro with stop/starts it may have worn off the insulation and created an intermittant dead short.
Lastly, your trailer is almost nine years old and if the serivce it has received has been spotty, you may be looking at a complete brake magnet/shoe replacement job.
Today is just the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!
'04' International 4400 LoPro 310Hp/950FtLbs 10Spd Harley/RV Toter
'05' Mobile Suites 38RL3
'01' Harley Ultra in the bike barn.
All sound advice so far. I too would start with the 7-pin connector. I keep my corrosion free with some dielectric grease, yet twice now I'd get an open circuit at the plug. Simply unplugging and re-plugging solved it. Try having somebody observe the controller indicator while you wiggle and jiggle, etc.
Good luck!
USAF retired
'98 F-150, 5.4L, 3.55 gears, tow package
2004 Jayco Jay Feather 26S, 4500 Lbs dry
One terrific wife
Frost, the RooRoo
I agree with the dielectric grease that Bunklash mentions. Service to the plug and receptacle are in order anyway. I had to redo all the connections in my system and went so far as to solder them. Found that the wire feeding thru the axle had rubbed against the hole.
If you get into magnet problems with the age of unit, I'd think of replacing the brakes with a complete assembly. I caught them on sale, thanks to a poster on this forum, for $30 each. With the complete assembly you pull the hub, remove 4 nuts, cut the wires. Then reinstall in the reverse order, no messing with the springs.
KA9ATV
K2500 7.4 3.73
Michelin 245/70R19.5 XDS2 on Vision Type 81's
31' Dutchmen
Yamaha EF3000iSE
retired gadgetman
alsimon96 wrote: I had a similar problem a couple years ago. I took it to an RV dealer. They removed all four wheels and found the wiring that goes to one of the brake magnets was rubbing against a moving part. It had worn through the wiring insulation so this was giving an intermittent problem for the brake controller. Sometimes the brakes worked and sometimes no brakes.
Ditto ...
Brake wire rubbing against the hub wore clean thru ... gave me the same codes on my Prodigy.
CRUZ
HR & Beth
2006 Chevy Silverado LT3 3500HD, DRW, D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and RED
2008 Jayco Designer 35RLTS
Cassie - pure Black Giant Schnauzer
Mollie - pure White Mini Schnauzer (the boss)
alsimon96 wrote: I had a similar problem a couple years ago. I took it to an RV dealer. They removed all four wheels and found the wiring that goes to one of the brake magnets was rubbing against a moving part. It had worn through the wiring insulation so this was giving an intermittent problem for the brake controller. Sometimes the brakes worked and sometimes no brakes.
Ditto ...
Brake wire rubbing against the hub wore clean thru ... gave me the same codes on my Prodigy.
CRUZ
Same problem here with a 2001 Alumascape - controller would show NC, then would work intermittently.
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