Parts Needed to Install a Brake Controller on a 1996 Chevy S-10

Updated 04/14/2015 | Published 04/11/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed

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$77.93

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers

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$14.15

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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Question:

I want to install this on a 96 chevy S10 for towing a 2 axle utility trailer with electric brakes on all 4 wheels. I looked under the dash and the only jack I saw was one with maybe a dozen pins that is used for computer trouble shooting diagnosis. I presume this is not the jack for trailer braking. Would I have to wire this up without a jack to connect to? Thanks

asked by: Alan R

Expert Reply:

The plug under the dash you see is likely the OBDII port and you are correct, it is not used to install a brake controller. On your 1996 Chevy S-10 you will need to hardwire in a brake controller.

To do this you will need to start by installing a trailer connector (unless the truck already has one). To start you would install a 4-Way, # HM41115. If the truck already has a 4-Way you can skip this step.

Next you will need 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7. This provides the 7-Way and the wiring/accessories needed to install the brake controller. If the truck has a 7-Way already I will cover that below. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation.

If your truck has a 7-Way trailer connector then you will instead need wiring kit # 5506. You will just need to follow the relevant parts of the ETBC7 instructions to complete the installation.

For Curt brake controller # C74VV you will also need universal wiring harness # C51515.