Recommended Methods to Test Brake Controller Output on Chevrolet Truck

Updated 07/08/2015 | Published 07/06/2015

Question:

Is there any thing that will test the brakes on a Chevy truck with factory installed brake controller ?

asked by: Glenn

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have a Chevy factory integrated controller you can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the brake circuit pin on your 7-way.

The linked photo shows the functions on each pin on a standard 7-way installation and the arrows indicate where to ground the tester (7-o-clock position) and where to apply the tester's probe (5-o-clock position).

Have a helper press the manual override on the controller while you test for the output signal on the 7-way.

You can test the trailer brakes directly by disconnecting the trailer and applying 12V power to the appropriate pins on the 7-way plug; these are the pins that match up to the contacts on the truck's trailer socket. You can use the truck's battery or a spare 12V battery to apply this power directly to the trailer. Since this will be a full-power input your brakes should engage fully.

expert reply by: Adam R