Trailer Brakes Not Working with a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500

Question

Question:

Trailer brakes arent working on an extreme snow enclosed trailer. Im towing it with an 04 Silverado 2500

asked by: Brandon M

0

Expert Reply:

There are some tests you can do to determine if the problem is with the brake controller on the truck or if the issue is on the trailer.

In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it tests fine, then reconnect the blue wire. Then move on to the truck side trailer connector. Many times, dirt or corrosion can cause a short in a trailer connector. Make sure the truck and the trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

You can test the brake output pin and it should only show power with the manual override. If it shows power any other time, then there is a short somewhere between the connector and the brake controller you will need to track down.

If the truck side checks out fine, then it could be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets, you can follow the help article I have linked. I have also included some help articles on testing and troubleshooting brake controllers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

There are two options to activate the electric over hydraulic brakes on your trailer when towing with your 2010 GMC 3500 truck. The first, as you mentioned, would be to use an adapter, which also requires some additional parts. The second option…

view full answer...

Answer 2

If the vehicle has the factory installed integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC), the tow package wiring that exists under the dash is used to install an aftermarket controller. The wiring is located under the dash, above where the driver's…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The first thing I would test is the brake circuit on the 7-way at the rear of your 2008 Chevy truck. You will want to use a circuit tester like our part #3808 to test the brake output circuit for voltage when the brake is applied. This will tell you…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Normally when you are having a trailer connection issue, it is because there is corrosion or debris in the connection. The 7-way trailer connector on your truck at the 5 o'clock pin position is the brake controller output. This pin is where the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I do know that the first few years of the integrated brake controllers, there were some performance problems, especially if your 2008 Chevy Silverado has a hold over unit from a previous model year. Hopefully, we can troubleshoot and rule out the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The factory brake controller port on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is in your vehicle's junction box underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, just above the carpeting. If you take a look at the accompanying photo you can see…

view full answer...

Answer 7

If the factory brake controller in your 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 isn't even powering on and registering that you're connected to the trailer then it's most likely a blown fuse. You'll just want to look at your owner's manual and…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Since you have a Chevy factory integrated controller you can use a circuit tester like #PTW2993 to test the brake circuit pin on your 7-way. The linked photo shows the functions on each pin on a standard 7-way installation and the arrows indicate…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

view full answer...

Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Trailer Brakes Not Working with a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching