Ergggggg##!@#!!!!!!!

[jstaddwtr]

Thanks.....I feel a little better.  Last year we tried to pay homage to the Mouse (Fort wilderness) at christmas time we blew a bearing in our old TV and cancelled.  This year we have a new (to us) 2002 E150 Ford.  We have taken it accross the country and have loved every minute.

Just before I started to load up, I unplugged my Tekonosha brake controller that was connected using the FORD oem cord, and following all the advice that I have read here, plugged in my new prodigy (christmas present)   ta da!!!   Waiting for the light to come on the bands to play, the rain to stop, the flowers to bloom and....

NO POWER.  

Then I plugged in the old unit and the same thing happened with both; no power to either unit and the right front turn signal stayed on as long as either unit was plugged in......without the key in the ignition!

sigh!

I know....I know, please save the lectures........ for technical problems I should go to the other thread.  But at this point I am looking more at my mental health...(smile, kinda).  Without the power we have no brake without the brake we have no trip.....

The FORD dealer is down the street, but trying to explain the problem was exhausting. "Yes the signal light in the right front lights without the key." "Yes I am sure." "No, I did not cut any wires."  No, the cord can't be the problem because they are FORD plugs."  "No I did not jerry-rig anything, your vehicle came with a tow package and I did what was intended using OEM hook-ups."  "No the old unit does not power either."
"No, I never said anything about back-up lights."  etc. etc. etc. "No I a not an idiot but growing up after having worked for FORD dealers I know you think I am one!" (I did not really say the last part......)

Well.

Not quite sure why I am writing any of this except that some how I feel better.........not even sure why.  

Thanks for being there!

[angelsmom10]

Sometimes just getting it off your chest is a great feeling!:W

[jstaddwtr]

Angelsmom10,

We can always count on you to have a good spirit.  Thanks!

[vjm1639]

Quick, quick...Jstaddwter!!  no clue what kind of camper you have....BUT..call Restless Wheels in Manassas....they are terrific and may be able to help you!!

[jstaddwtr]

Actually I did call them and it sounded like  the TV.  If we don't get out of here tonight then I will be waiting at their door in the morning.  Thanks!!!!

[B-flat]

I don't know if this will help you any but in the past I had a similar problem when I hooked up the popup to the tow vehicle, some lights worked and yet no proper power all the way around.  An old trick from the days of boat trailers is one that I use...pull forward a bit and back up a bit.  Do that several times to set the "ground" wiring.  Also, keep in mind that most newer vehicles have a "memory" package that still keeps the power going on certain parts of the vehicles such as allowing you to lower or raise the windows, play the radio, etc., after you have removed the key from the switch.  Other than that, you probably have a bad connection somewhere. :Z   Hey yes, we all have these frustrations from time to time.  :rolleyes:    

[mike4947]

Believe it or not I've seen that happen. The key is that the turn signal stays on as long as the brake controller is plugged in. There's onlt one place where the wires for the brakes and the turn signals come within a foot of each other and that's at the TV/trailer connection. Sounds like you've got a corroded 7 pin connector on the truck.
Wierd things can happen when the wires in that 7 pin start shorting out to each other. Blown fuses, strange lights coming on or not coming on. or even the trailer brakes coming on and off with the turn signals.

[jstaddwtr]

You guys are great really.........from time to time you read about how this cite is going down.   Where else could I have turned...but to friends!!!!!!   Thanks.  

Stupid pop up trick #7132

Try plugging in the prodigy into the right connector under the dash.....(well it was raining, and AI don't have a garage and...and...and....  sigh!)

I am following directions but anything I need to know to set it? then again, I have probably over asked my limit today!!!   Thanks everyone!  It may be dark but we will be out of here before dawn (smile)!

[tlhdoc]

Have a great trip!!!  I am glad it wasn't a big problem.  Have fun and enjoy.

[jstaddwtr]

Thanks Tracy!
I was gone all day as DH had to deal with all of this!  Thanks for babysitting!  (I mean that in only the best of ways!)  Sorry we will be missing the fun next week!  
Dee