Troubleshooting Brake Controller in a 1999 Chevy Silverado that Stopped Working

Updated 06/25/2015 | Published 06/24/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

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$103.67

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$13.03

Question:

1999, Chevrolet, Silverado It did have brakes at one time but now there is no power to the rear connector, replaced the brake controller and still nothing, checked every fuse, and still nothing HELP?????

asked by: Jeffrey H

Expert Reply:

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy and will allow you to pinpoint where your problem is. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

expert reply by: Jameson C