Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 2010 Chevy Traverse with Tow Package

Published 03/24/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(1197)

$21.73

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(65)

$12.94

Question:

hi patrick, have one more question. i found Traverse OE Harness cables are 5(red, light blue, black, white and grey instead dark blue and brown). how can those be match to your brake controller wires of black, red, white, blue. thanks again

asked by: james p

Expert Reply:

The connector you need for a 2010 Chevy Traverse with Towing package is part # 3026-P. I have added a link to it below.

I am looking at the instructions and it appears you will need a small flat head screw driver to gently pry the plastic push-rivets out to release the panel. I have added a link to the instructions below so you can see where the connector is located.

expert reply by: Patrick B

James P.

3/24/2010

Patrick B.

3/24/2010

You will need to use a circuit tester and test the wire leads. Bring a labeler or some masking tape and a marker to label the wires as you test. You would need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. Clip the tester to a good ground and use the probe to test the other wires. Turn on the vehicle. Without activating any other system, the wire that is hot is the 12V POWER lead. This wire will be connected to the black controller wire. Turn on the head lights and whichever wire is hot is the ILLUMINATION wire. This wire will not be used. Hold the brake pedal down and whichever wire is hot is the STOPLIGHT circuit. This wire should be connected to the red brake controller wire. At this point you will have identified 3 circuits: 12V Power, Illumination and Stoplight. There are 2 wires left. One of them is ground, the other is the brake controller output that goes back to the 7-Way. Clip the the circuit tester to the STOPLIGHT circuit wire you found. Then use the probe to test the 2 wires you have left. Whichever one completes the circuit is the GROUND wire and should be connected to the white wire on the brake controller. By process of elimination, the last wire is the BRAKE CONTROL OUTPUT and should be connected to the blue wire on the brake controller.