ltc

No, actually it is the result of a cost reduction exercise.

amaist

I got the Tekonsha Voyager instead of the Prodigy. Works just fine. I only need to adjust braking force when loaded/unloaded but that's all.

kmsnsx

So a prodigy will not work at all with the late '05-06 model? Because I have one and I would really like to use it and not have to buy another brake controller.

Toby Pennycuff

Nope, Tekonsha Prodigy no worky in an '06. Can't comment on the '05 MY as I did not have an '05. The reason a Prodigy will not work in the '06 is that there is no convenient brake light wire to tie into as the brake light switch was moved to the master cylinder for at least the '06 vehicles.

Toby

kmsnsx

so the brake light switch in the factory connector doesn't work? or just doesn't provide the right signal? I have a late model '05 without the brake switch.

Toby Pennycuff

Correct.

kmsnsx

any idea if a tekonsha P3 would work? or is that just a better version of the prodigy?

JFScheck

UPDATE

Wiring a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 to my new 2010 "T-Rex TDI" - here is an update to my above instructions since the brake switch has now MOVED from where it used to live to its new location inside the engine bay....

Add to the parts list one Micro Relay 12v SPST 20 Amp

Prodigy Wire Harness to Vehicle Wire Harness
White Wire <---> Brown Wire
Black Wire <---> Red\Yellow
Blue Wire <---> Blue Wire
Red Wire to Pin 87 on your Relay (see below)

Relay Wiring:
Red\Black Wire from Vehicle Harness to Relay Pin 86
Red Wire from Tekonsha Wire Harness to Relay Pin 87
Vehicle Ground Wire to Relay Pin 85 (I used Tow Harness wire Brown for my ground)
Constant On (ignition enabled preferably) 12 volt source to Relay Pin 30 (I used Tow Harness wire Red\Yellow for my 12 volts)


Rock On my Brothers & Sisters!!!

ltc

I'd be curious to see how you like the new/smaller TDI

JFScheck

The "Diesel 250" that replaced the Pepper S does not fit in the little garage now that we moved onto the beach so I went to look at the 2010 Peppers as I'm down to towing a 25 foot Airstream (or 23 Airstream but smaller than the 33 footer we were running around with - still in research mode for new Airstream purchase) - was bummed because I just didn't like the Audi Diesel (BIG Audi FanBoy - but don't like the stretched platform or front end look, etc.)...

My friend and salesperson at Pioneer Porsche smacked me and told me to go look at the T-Rex Egg in an oil burner as I was bitching about Porsche not having a TDI available in the states....

Front end weight of the V6 TDI feels like the front end of the V8 Pepper S (not the super heavy front end of the Wonderful V10 TDI)....

Long story short - I LOVE THE OIL BURNER VW - you remember I'm a torque snob - and today coming back from Irvine to San Diego was averaging 25.4 mpg cruising at 85ish... Not even broken in yet - best I EVER got in the Pepper S was 19 (Maryland to Florida so kinda flat)....

Test towed a Airstream 25 travel trailer with the Egg while in Irvine - went over the mountain to Riverside county and back (pretty damn big grade) and I swear I could have had my diesel 250 as NO ISSUES WITH POWER... Kinda surprised me.....

Long story short - Lots of Torque - kinda low on Horse Power - but I need the Torque and its plenty fast - I can always hop in the 997 if I need to go faster... It's not better than your Excursion - but for me its a good compromise (damn small garages) and would be great for towing carts around!!!

ltc

Pretty much what everyone else has said.
I still miss the V10. Even when they were available in the US, they weren't available in MA, hence the bride's Excursion and my Escape Hybrid.

Even Ford is still talking about making smaller diesel engines in the future ...

Coochas

Interesting to read this update about the Toureg (however the hell it's spelled).
I'm getting to a crossroads as our wonderful Pepper S is getting up there in age. I'm actually considering getting a Cayenne III turbo or S in the new Yellow color after this coming track season.
Hmmmm, food for thought John.

ltc

Dave,
If you are considering continuing down the slippery slope of DE/Track , I would strongly suggest considering a diesel Touareg (or if it ever arrives here, the diesel Cayenne).

Both will be essentially the same (especially since Porsche is now VW) and in the world of towing, torque is king (well actually so is wheelbase, but that's a topic of the Racing/DE forum), and the longevity and fuel economy of a diesel (combined with a tax credit) makes them very attractive options.

JFScheck

YES - So many folks forget how important "Wheelbase" is to a Tow Vehicle - even though one can tow 7,700 don't forget about the size (length) of the trailer either....

Coochas

Wouldn't a Cayenne Turbo be a great tow vehicle with its 515 ftlbs?

As for the slippery slope, I think it's too late. Bought a trailer last season and the 986 is in the shop becoming a Spec Boxster. I'm thinking about PCA club racing after this coming season. I already have 26 track days scheduled for 2010!