Brake Controller and 7-Way Install on 2013 Chevy Express w/ Tow Pakage  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I'm assuming your Express doesn't have the 7-way, but does have the capped round plug behind the bumper on the drivers side frame rail, you'll install part # 30955. Simply remove the cap and plug the connector in.

To wire up the controller itself, you'll need an install kit like part # 5506. The controller would mount under the dash, within reach of the driver preferably to the right of the steering column so its not jostled by the driver getting in and out of the vehicle.

The blue wire that carries the output from the brake controller to the 7-way connector will be in one of two places, either coiled up behind the emergency brake or under the floor mat up near the firewall. This wire will connect to the blue controller wire. The black wire would be extended with a length of black wire from the install kit and be connected to the 30 amp circuit breaker, which would be connected to the positive battery terminal. The white wire on the controller would be extended with a piece of white wire from the kit and would connect to the negative battery terminal.

You'll need to connect the red wire to a source for the stop lamp signal. The easiest place to find this signal is behind the passenger side dash. This is the location of the Body Control Module (BCM) on the Express Van. In order to access the BCM, you will need to remove the lower section of the dash on the passenger side of the vehicle. You will need the light blue with white stripe wire that is coming out of the brown connector.

Before making any connections, it is always a good idea to test the wire using a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to make sure that you have the correct wire. You will want to make sure you use the wire that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed. I've provided a photo showing the wire you'll be looking for.

expert reply by: Mike L

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