Bypassing the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller on a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado

Updated 05/18/2020 | Published 03/31/2017

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Question:

I have a 2009 chevy silverado 2500hd. My electronic brake control module is broken. I bought and installed a new one. It doesnt work. The dealership has charged me $220 for reprogram and diagnostics. They want to charge me $435 for a new ebcm. Do you have an aftermarket product that will replace my factory ebcm? I tow a fifth wheel camper. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

I might have a solution for your brake controller issue. You could install an aftermarket controller and bypass the factory integrated controller all together.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885, is the controller I recommend installing in your 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. This brake controller is a proportional controller that can be mounted at almost any angle in the cab of your truck. The controller will adjust the trailers braking based on the amount of deceleration of your tow vehicle.

Installing the controller will involve you wiring an extra wire from the brake controller to your 7-way trailer connector. Under the driver's side dash by the emergency brake pedal will be a bunch of 5 blunt cut wires that are taped up to the wiring harness. I have attached a picture that shows you where this wiring harness will be located.

Use:
Red/Black to Black Battery Power
White to White Ground
Light Blue/White to Red Brake Light Signal

Do not use :
Drk Blue Brake Control Output to Trailer
Orange Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)

Using the included brake wiring harness with the controller, wire the three used wires to the harness. Then you will need # 10-1-1, which is sold by the foot, to connect to the controller harness blue wire and then run this wire back to your 7-way connector. Connect this wire to the blue wire at the connector to bypass the OEM controller.

I have attached an article that will explain how to bypass the factory controller and install the P2 in your cab.

expert reply by: Jared P

click to enlarge

Matt

5/8/2020

I have a similar scenario. 2008 Silverado 2500 hd...had off and on integrated trailer brake control issues. I replaced sending unit and fuse. I think I just want something simple that works. Is there a reason you suggest the model you do? I see less expensive ones and was wondering . Could you send me a step by step too?

Chris R.

5/11/2020

Any traditional brake controller will require the same wiring/install process outlined above for your 2008 Silverado 2500HD. For a more economically priced unit I recommend taking a look at the Draw-Tite I-Command. I also suggest adding the Pigtail # 20127 for more wiring length to hook up to those factory wires in the truck. Another great option (although higher-priced) is the Curt Echo # C51180, which simply gets plugged into your Silverado's existing 7-Way at the bumper, automatically bypassing the factory unit and preventing you from having to do ANY wiring.

Matt P.

5/12/2020

@ChrisR So if I got the Draw-Tite controller I would need to run a wire from the controller directly the length of the truck to the 7 pin plug to the trailer brake pin?

Chris R.

5/14/2020

@MattP You're exactly correct - you would run your own brake output wiring from the blue wire on the Draw-Tite controller back to the brake output circuit pin on the 7-Way.

Helpful Links

faq-tb-2007-2009-gm-full-size-truck-w-factory-installed-brake-controller.aspx

Chris

5/14/2020

I got the controller but extra wire hasn't come in. I attempted to wire the controller and use the existing dark blue wire to the 7 pin connecter at the rear bumper. I figured worse case I could add the blue wire later. The unit will not even power up with everything wired correctly I believe. I checked the fuse box under the hood...I didn't seem to be getting much power to the two studs on the exterior of the fuse box so I replaced two fuses and took box apart and cleaned connections to bare copper. That still did not work. I then ran a direct wire from my battery positive to the stud terminals and still nothing..... HELP!!

Chris R.

5/18/2020

When connecting to power under the hood, did you utilize the two connection points shown in the article linked below? If so, I'm not sure why it wouldn't be providing sufficient power - you may need to bring the truck up to a local Chevy dealer as there could be an issue with the fuse box.

Helpful Links

faq-tb-2007-2009-gm-full-size-truck-w-factory-installed-brake-controller.aspx

Matt

5/18/2020

@ChrisR I solved the problem. There is some issue with my fuzebox. I had to run a line directly from my battery to the brake controller in my van with a 30 amp in line fuze. It's rigged...but working. I called your number and a member if your team helped me. Thank you.