Manual Override on Brake Controller Not Working on 2012 Chevy Silverado

Updated 03/18/2015 | Published 03/17/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(836)

$135.95

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(58)

$12.11

Question:

2012 silverado chevrolet has controller installed, but manual not working.

asked by: Bernie N

Expert Reply:

There are some tests you can do on an aftermarket brake controller to determine if it is the problem. In the truck cab you will need to sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only have power when you apply the manual override. If it shows power at idle, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

If it does not have power with the manual override at all then check to make sure there is power on the black wire. On Chevy trucks and SUVs sometimes there are connections that need to be made under the hood to make everything fully functional. I have included a link that explains these under hood connections.

Also make sure that the brake controller white ground wire is securely attached to the ground tow package wire on your 2012 Chevy Silverado. The ground wire on the Chevy tow package wiring should also be white. It also might help to fully apply the manual override lever and then let it snap back into place. Do this a few times to clean the contacts inside the controller.

You will also want to make sure the brake controller is mounted according to the range specified in the instructions and that it is not tilted or turned to the side. Also double check the output settings to make sure it is set high enough.

expert reply by: Michael H