How To Install A Brake Controller On A 2016 Chevrolet Colorado

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6349)

$139.94

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(55)

$14.61

Question:

looking for information about brake controller wiring for my 2016 Chevy Colorado

asked by: Shawn C

Expert Reply:

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado does not have a plug-in adapter for a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. However, the wires that will need to be hardwired into the adapter are already present on the vehicle taped together underneath the driver's side kick panel.

To find the wires, you will need to remove the driver's side kick panel. You will then need to locate the group of 4 wires taped together. Once this is done, you can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test each wire as you are performing the desired function in order to install the new brake controller. The black wire coming from the back of the brake controller is responsible for the 12-volt power. The red wire is responsible for the stop light switch. The white wire is responsible for the ground and the blue wire is used for the brake signal.

I have attached an installation video of this brake controller on a similar 2015 Chevrolet Colorado for you.

expert reply by: Conner L

Larry L.

5/16/2020

installed a pilot brake controller on my 2016 Colorado. pretty simple install. 4 color coded wires. but its not getting any power. fuse box has a 30 amp fuse where the trailer brake control module goes. why no power?

Chris R.

5/19/2020

Have you tried replacing the 30 amp fuse you mentioned? It could be blown, which is the most common cause for a brake controller not to receive power. If you've already done this let me know and we'll keep troubleshooting.

Larry

5/19/2020

@ChrisR this is the first controller installed. fuse was already in. is brand new and appears to be good but i will change it to another new one tonight and get back with you. thank you!

Chris R.

5/22/2020

@Larry That sounds good - please let me know either way.

Darrell P.

7/17/2020

I have the 2016 Colorado. I was hoping to add the OEM trailer brake (integrated) switch by buying the in-dash switch and the wiring harness. It came factory with the 7-pin plug at the rear. B I am told by the dealership that just adding the switch to the truck won't help, as this VIN code did not come with the accompanying control module. So, now I am confused. While I would love to just buy the parts needed, they are telling me it's not possible to add the parts without going aftermarket. Any ideas or input?

Chris R.

7/21/2020

OEM brake controllers are installed at the factory and there's typically not an option to add them after-the-fact, with any model truck (not just your Colorado). You can absolutely add an aftermarket controller though. If you really like the OEM style, a great option is the Redarc Tow Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2, which features a sleek control knob that can be installed anywhere on the dash or even the center console.

Luke

5/10/2021

@DarrellP I am looking to install a brake controller on my 2016 Colorado Z71 with tow package. I too would like to install the OEM controller. Did you have any luck? Thanks.

Darrellp

5/12/2021

@Luke I ended up going with the aftermarket controller with smart-brake. (The one that has the inertia controls) I never got anywhere with the OEM, even after my buddy at the dealership tried to order one. They can be bought, but the cost vs the benefit, it's not really worth it. That controller I purchased hasn't given me a minute's trouble.