Troubleshooting No Trailer Connected Issue with Factory Integrated Brake Controller
Published 10/05/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
2008 2500HD Silverado Duramax ITBC For quite a while now I have had an intermittent problem with my truck sensing the trailer connection. Sometime I would have to plug and unplug the trailer into my truck several times before I would get the Trailer Connected message on the dash. The problem has gotten worse and worse and now I cannot get the Trailer Connected message at all and I have no trailer brake operation. I had my friend plug into my trailer with his truck and no problems at all. This tells me the problem is not my trailer but it is my truck. I have replaced the trailer brake relay in the rear of the truck. I replaced the brake switch on the brake pedal. I am wondering if it could be the factory installed ITBC in the dash. Any Thoughts?
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
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 brake controller will see a slight draw when the trailer is connected. Over time, build up on the pins will cause the vehicle not to sense the trailer so you may simply need to clean that connection with some sand paper or steel wool and then use some dielectric grease like # 11755 to keep the connection from that issue in the future.
The other possibility is that there is no power getting to that pin due to a short in the wire. You can test this with a circuit tester like # PTW2992. With the circuit tester grounded to your frame and the probe on the 5 o'clock pin, you should see a trailer connected message and be able to hit the manual override on the controller to see the voltage increase and the light in the tester get brighter. If you do not see this after cleaning the trailer pins, then you will want to trace that brake output wire probing every few feet to test for function to determine the short. To determine if it is a factory brake controller issue you will want to test the brake output wire under your dash close to the brake controller connection. If you have signal there, you may want to simply run a new wire # 10-1-1 from that point back to the pin location.
If you don't have power from the factory brake controller, you will either want to take it in to the dealer for repair or replacement or I recommend replacing it with # 90195 which is far superior to that factory integrated brake controller.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Replacement Seal Recommendation for Dexter 010-004-00
- Shop: Square Corner Hinge with Reverse Bracket - 12" Long - 270 Degree Rotation - Zinc Plated
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Ultimate Trailer Jack
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: ONE LED RV Combination Tail Light w/ License Plate Bracket - 4 Function - 1 Diode - Driver Side
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Shop: MB Sturgis Propane Hose - 3/8" Female Flare Swivel x 3/8" Female Flare Swivel - 4'
- Shop: Propane Hose - 3/8" Female SAE Flare Swivel x 3/8" Female SAE Flare Swivel
- Article: Aftermarket Brake Control Wiring for 07-13 GM Full-Size Truck with Factory-Integrated Brake Control
- Shop: Replacement 18:1 Tuson Motor for Lippert Through-Frame Slide-outs
- Shop: Solera RV Slide-Out Awning - 85" Wide - White
- Q&A: Replacement Motor and Actuator for Lippert Through-Frame Slide Out with Tucson 18:1 Motor
- Search Results: curt 57003
- Shop: Curt Class 5 Universal Weld-on Hitch w/ Brackets - 2" Receiver - 44" Wide
- Search Results: phoenix wheel covers
- Search Results: wheel simulator
- Search Results: 10~36 seal
- Search Results: axletek
- Search Results: 19~130
- Search Results: ram jack cover
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch Spec Review
- Q&A: Does BulletProof Hitch Item # MD256 Include 2 and 2-5/16 Inch Trailer Balls
- Q&A: What is the Rise/Drop on BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch MD256
- Q&A: Recommended Grease and Maintenance Schedule for Lippert Ground Control 3.0 Auto Leveling Jacks
- Article: Carrying on a Legacy: One Family’s Story of Grief, Growth, and a Global Pandemic
- Q&A: Trailer Brakes Will Not Activate When Pushing The Brake Pedal
- Q&A: Replacing Valve Cable on LaSalle Bristol RV Waste Valve # 34466N11AB96GMA
on Trailer Brake Controller
