Will Factory Brake Controller On 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Work With Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Published 02/26/2015

Question:

Chevy 2008 3500 Dually with built-in factory brake controller. Titan Electric over Hydraulic brakes with brake controller adapter. Since I had the hydraulic brakes put in I have had to run the brake controller setting at 9 and sometime ten to get the pump to apply more braking in mountain driving. Question is, why do I have to run at 9 and 10 when I used to run at 4 or 5. Does it have anything to do with the Titan brake adapter causing a voltage or what?? Thank you

asked by: Randy W

Expert Reply:

The factory brake controller in your 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes without an adapter. It sounds like you are getting a current and they are working but as you said the level is set much higher.

You may have an issue with the trailer battery that is hooked up to the actuator. You should charge it or check to see if it needs to be replaced. That may be why you need to increase the voltage from the brake controller.

It is recommended that the adapter you use is compatible with the brake actuator on your trailer. If you install an adapter that is not compatible you may have issues as you described. You also need to make sure that the brakes are adjusted properly. Using the Titan adapter should not cause a voltage drop causing your problem. According to Titan increasing the power will probably not overcome a bad adapter.

If you find the systems are not compatible and you want to replace your factory brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller, part # 90195, that can be used with both electric and electric over hydraulic trailer brakes. This brake controller comes with a wiring harness that can be used to hardwire the brake controller to your vehicle. I have attached a link to an installation video of the controller being installed on a 2009 Chevy Silverado.

When you replace the factory brake controller with an aftermarket model, you will get an error code on your dash. You will have to go to the dealer and have the vehicle computer flashed to remove the error code. Once the computer is flashed you should be good to go.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L