Integrated Factory Brake Controller on 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 Not Recognizing Trailer or Brakes

Updated 09/27/2016 | Published 09/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6641)

$155.79

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

2008 chevy duramax LTZ 2500 I have no trailer brakes at all this truck has itbc system. the dash readout shows nothing but a line of dashes on the dash screen. Shows no trailer connected prompt when hooked to trailer.Does not matter if hooked to trailer or not.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

If the integrated brake controller on your 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 is not recognizing when a trailer is connected, then that could indicate damage to the brake output wire or the connector on the truck itself. It could also be the trailer.

To determine where the problem is you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Have someone sit in the truck and fully apply the manual override on the brake controller while you test the 7-Way, pin in the 5 o'clock position, for power. If it shows power, then the problem is on the trailer. If it does not show power, then it could be a break in the wiring or an internal problem with the controller.

Inspect the wiring under the truck. The brake output wire is in the 7 o'clock position if looking at the back of it where the wires attach. Trace it as far forward as you can and fix any damaged or pinched areas of the wire. You can also try to trace the output wire from the back of the controller, but it may be difficult to access.

On the trailer connector make sure that it is clean and free of corrosion inside where the wires attach and outside on the pins. You can also do the same on the trailer side. On the trailer inspect the wiring to the brake magnets and fix any damaged or pinched wires. Make sure the magnets are grounded to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You could also bypass the factory controller and install an aftermarket one such as the P3 # 90195. To do this you will need to locate the tow package wiring bundle up under the dash to the left of the steering column. It is held together with a white tag that explains the functions of the wires.

You can wire in the brake controller to these wires except for the blue wire. You will need about 20 feet or so of wire # 10-1-1, sold by the foot, to attach to the blue brake controller wire at the back of the controller. Then that wire will get routed through the firewall, under the truck, and connected to the back of the 7-Way in the 7 o'clock position, replacing the wire that is already there. I have linked a help article that explains all of this for you.