Troubleshooting Factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Updated 10/06/2015 | Published 10/04/2015

Question:

I have a 2015 chevy3500 with the integrate brake . And when I hook my fifth wheel rv up it tells me on the ip unit that the trailer has been connected , and all works great , BUT when I hook up my goose neck trailer I also get a message that tells me the trailer is connected just like on the rv ,but when I push the brake I get a message telling me to check the trailer connection and I have no brakes working on that trailer , I can hook the trailer up to a different truck that has a under dash ad on brake box and the trailer brakes work great . I dont understand what is going on , have yall got any ideas . Thanks

asked by: Tommy C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Some factory OEM brake controllers are compatible only with electric drum trailer brakes and will not operate properly with an electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) trailer braking system. Other controllers may have the flexibility to work with both types but could require you to select the appropriate setting. For example, the excellent Prodigy P2 controller # 90885 can be set up to work with either electric drum brakes or EOH actuators. If this compatibility is not the issue then you can move on to check the plug and wiring on the gooseneck trailer.

Inspect the trailer plug looking for signs of trapped dirt, water or corrosion on the contact surfaces. Even slight greenish or whitish discoloration can indicate corrosion that is severe enough to interfere with brake signals. You can try a spray-on contact cleaner like Caig De-Oxit to clean out and condition the contacts if they are dirty.

There are other potential issues on a trailer that could cause the problem you're having (please see the linked article) but since the trailer works fine with another truck the odds are that you have a compatibility issue with the OEM controller.

expert reply by: Adam R