Installing a Brake Controller
Submitted by ericjmess
I wrote this to suppliment the instructions that are included with whichever brake controller you choose. I went with the Prodigy because it applies more power to the brakes when you stop harder and less power to the brakes when you are doing a slow stop. I learned first hand that a cheap brake controller will wear out your vehicles brakes quickly. The prodigy gives you total control of your trailers brakes and allows you to increase the power if you have a heavier load. (just a warning, my flashers don't work anymore, maybe coincidence?)
1. Follow the instructions given with the brake controller, the ground needs to go to a good ground.
2. I ran the power wire first to a circuit breaker, as recommended by Tekonosha, it's a part that most auto stores have and if not you can easily order one online for about $5.
3. The Prodigy brake controller requires you to connect a wire to the brake pedal wiring, you need a wire that has no signal when the pedal isn't touched and has power when you press the pedal. First you need to move your seat way back and get comfortable under the dash with a bright flashlight. Next, look at your brake pedal and follow it up into the dash, you'll see a group of wires shrink wrapped. Cut back the shrink wrap carefully not to slice any wires. You'll see 2 green wires, both give no power when the pedal isn't pressed and give power when the pedal is pressed. I chose the wire closest to me and it worked, but either green wire should be fine.
4. Once you have all your wires attached you need to mount the brake controller. You need a spot where it won't be in the way but will still be easily accessable.
5. I chose this spot because the brake controller never hits my leg, you can easily see the display to know whats going on, and you can easily access the manual power level on the Prodigy to easily warm up the trailer brakes when you first drive off. Also, when outside of the car you can read the display to know that the controller is recognizing that the trailer is connected, this does come in handy for troubleshooting.
6.This spot is good also because there is a flat spot under the dash to mount the braket to.
5. Lastly, you'll need to wind up the wires and zip tie them neatly and tuck them under the dash, otherwise your foot will catch the wires and possibly rip them out.
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