Troubleshooting No Power in Trailer Connector PK11916 on a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500

Updated 03/18/2010 | Published 03/17/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Twist-in, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles - Vehicle End

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$17.83

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$14.40

Question:

I have no power at the plug in the rear of the vehicle. I have connected the red power cable to the stud and there is a 40 amp fuse in. I have power at the stud and the fuse is good. The wire all the way back to the plug seems to be good but still no power. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

asked by: ryan t

Expert Reply:

On your 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500, there could be several issues causing the plug to not have power.

First, I included two pictures for reference below. In the first one, you will see the fuse box opened with a red wire going to the silver stud. This is the power that goes to a brake controller. If you look at the red wire that is below the white master cylinder in the picture, that is the wire you need for the connector to have power. It connects to the black stud. There is another angle of it in the second picture. These pictures can also be found at the end of the Brake Controller Installation on a 2008 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado article linked below. If this does not solve the problem, there could be a couple other possibilities.

Next, move on to checking the ground. If the ground is not properly attached it can cause problems. Finally, you will need to check the wires using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. You mention the power wire looked fine but looks can be deceiving. Check it at various points along its length. If everything checks out, you might have a problem with the trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Michael H