brake light switch delay to bulbs & Trlr brakes

[woof]

I just had a Prodigy trailer brake unit installed at a qualified trailer and hitch place. When the peddle is pushed there is a delay of about 1 to 1. 5 seconds before the brake lights come on ( and power to the brakes too). Having never looked prior to the installation, I have no way of knowing if this just started or if it is a new develpement. He (the installer) has the same brake unit in his vehicle and being a plug in deal he took mine out and plugged his in with the same results thereby eliminating the possibllity of a faulty unit.

The installers only suggestion was possibly a faulty brake light switch which I had my mechanic replace today. That did not improve the situation. He even took the old switch apart and changed the throw to maybe compensate for the time delay by being activated sooner and put it back in place. No difference was noted from the new switch or the old switch or the old modified switch.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I hope my sig is displayed, if not , my truck is a 2003 6spd quad cab 4wd long bed.

Thanks for listening, all responses are appreciated!

 

[bighammer]

I've looked at my switch because I thought there was a delay too. I noticed right away that you can't just tap the pedal to kill the cruise, you have to hold it there for a sec or 2. A couple times I've noticed the lights do delay in coming on. (that's why I got the REAR Ranch Hand as well as the front )

 

[Alan Reagan]

That sounds a little long... ... 1-2 seconds. The signal is now controlled by the computer. Like when you turn on the headlights, you'll notice a delay before the lights come on.

 

[JWChessell]

Yesterday I noticed a short delay -- about 1/2 second -- in the brake lights going OFF after I released the brake pedal. I installed a Prodigy about 6 weeks ago, but didn't notice what the brake lights were doing before that time. Since it's so simple to unplug, I'll try that tonight and see if there's a difference in the reaction of the brake lights.

 

[Prairie Dog]

JW, I noticed the same delay when my truck was new and I first backed it into a parking place in the dark. I think it's because the brake switch tells the computer to turn on the lights and then the computer turns them on - takes time to communicate.



Scotty

 

[Kirwin]

I have the same set up

It's not your Prodigy. Its the way the tucks designed. Seems to me the delay varies some too. Ken Irwin

 

[GWBourne]

Yesterday I noticed a short delay -- about 1/2 second -- in the brake lights going OFF after I released the brake pedal.

i noticed this as well... it was rather odd. they come on instant though.

Grant

 

[bighammer]

OK, 2 seconds seems like an exageration. I think the delay varies at times because it's probably about 1/2 second most of the time, but I'd swear it was a full second sometimes. (Maybe my truck's not good at multi-tasking? Running Windows 95? A switch problem combined with the delay?)

Either way it seems too long for something that should be on instantly. Sometimes the moron behind you needs all the time he can get to proccess the information. I don't need another car under my truck.

I usually use the off switch to kill the cruise control just because it takes so long with the brake.

 

[woof]

OK , maybe a little exageration on the delay time but I bet its a full second. Although I dont like the delay to my brake lights none too much, my real concern is the delay to my trailer brakes. It is the same delay as to the lights. Likewise the same delay for the brakes to release so they would be draggin for a second after I let off the pedal. I would think there is a way to hook up the prodigy without this issue, but I dont know, Thats why I had it done professionally.

 

[WMoroni]

Ain't but one way to hook up a prodigy. Plug it in. Every thing already wired for the thing. I don't notice the delay applying the brakes but I do notice a slight delay in my trailer brakes relasing when I let off the pedal.

 

[DSutton]

I've got the prodigy too, but i haven't played with it for a while. I think one of the controls on it is for the delay. Most electric brake units have this, so that may be one way to introduce the variation reported here. In my experience all electric brake units are prone to not releasing the trailer brakes immediately. I have been known to turn them way down in town sometimes because it drives me crazy. Of course with real heavy loads that may not be a good idea. I wish we could just go back to the old hydraulic activation type. Those worked great.