Does a 1999 Chevrolet Astro Wire for a Brake Controller like a 1999 GM/Chevy Pickup  

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The Chevy Atro and GMC Safaris are loosely based on GM trucks, but will not have the brake control wiring like the full-size pickup trucks and vans do.

The installation of a brake controller on a 1999 Astro will be a hardwire installation. I have included a link to a video of a brake controller being installed on a 2003 Chevy Express, the full-size van. It shows the whole process.

To complete the install you will need 3 components. A 4-Way trailer connector installed and operational, our part # ETBC7 Brake Controller Install Kit, and a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885.

Your 1999 Astro may already have a functional 4-Way flat trailer connector. If you do not already have one, you will need to install one using part # 18252. The 4-Way will splice into your existing tail light circuits. The white wire is a ground so it should be spliced to a ground wire or connected to a good ground point. The brown wire is for running lights and should be connected to the circuit that comes on when you turn on the headlights. The yellow should be connected to the left blinker circuit circuit and the green should be connected to the right blinker circuit. Use the included circuit tester to find the right wires and verify the connector works properly.

Once you have a properly working 4-Way, you can install the ETBC7 7-Way. You will connect it to the 4-Way on the Astro then wire up the loose leads. The white lead is again ground and should be grounded to a good ground on the van frame. The purple wire is for reverse lights, but if your trailer does not have reverse lights, you can omit this wire. The blue and black wires should be connected to the included jacketed 2 wire. The black wire needs to be run to the vehicle battery positive post with the 40 amp breaker in-line. The blue wire will be run into the cab for the brake controller output.

Most brake controllers, the Prodigy P2 included, have 4 wires colored red, black, blue and white. The white wire is ground and should be connected to the negative battery terminal. The blue wire is output and should be connected to the blue wire from the 7-Way. The black wire is for the brake controller power source and should be wired the positive battery terminal with a 20 or 30 amp breaker wired in-line depending on the controller. Finally red wire should be connected to the stop light circuit wire. It will be attached to a switch at the top of the brake pedal and will only activate when the brake pedal is pressed.

expert reply by: Patrick B

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