Troubleshooting Factory Trailer Brake Controller on 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Updated 07/30/2020 | Published 04/05/2017

Question:

I think the problem is with my truck.When i test the brake pin at the back of the truck there is only split seconds were my test light will light up with the brake pedal on. The truck is a 2008 chevy silverado 2500HD with a factory controler.

asked by: Charles G

Helpful Expert Reply:

With a proportional type trailer brake controller like better aftermarket units such as the P3 # 90195 and most factory units there will be no output with the vehicle at rest unless you press the manual override lever. Pressing the brake pedal with the vehicle stationary will not produce an output signal for the trailer brakes since the controller's internal sensor will not detect movement. It is the actual motion of the vehicle that triggers the proportional signal.

If you press the manual override lever and still get no brake output at your 7-way then your controller is likely to be damaged and can be replaced with the P3 or the P2 # 90885. Please refer to the linked article for more on replacing the factory controller.

expert reply by: Adam R

Doug

7/25/2020

2008 silverado HD I know my problem is in the truck, dash will say SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLL SYSTEM and ABS light comes on, with or without a trailer hocked up. I done trying to fix it. If I install Prodigy P3 will above mentioned warnings go away or do I need to do something else besides disconnect factory controller? Thx

Chris R.

7/30/2020

It's possible that you may need to have the truck flashed at the dealer to recognize the new controller once it's plugged in. This kind of thing is little "hit and miss" so it's hard for me to say for sure. I do know there are some aftermarket controllers available, such as the Curt Echo # C51180, that will completely bypass the factory brake controller wiring so it definitely would not require any trips to the dealer or any other modifications.