Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 2001 Chevy Silverado

Updated 03/16/2011 | Published 03/14/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(484)

$18.53

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2776)

$160.07

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(62)

$13.94

Question:

the wiring on the chevy has 2 smaller wires black and green then 2 thicker wires blue and red, while the wiring w/the prodigy has black and blue thicker wires and white and red smaller . I tried to hook up by color but no power to unit. can you help me.

asked by: Carl

Expert Reply:

On the 2001 Chevy Silverado, there should be a port, located in the electrical junction box on the driver side to the left of the brake pedal. Inside, you will need the port second from the left on the top row. You would use brake controller wiring harness # 3025-P. One end plugs into the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885, and the other end plugs into that port.

There may also be some connections that will need to be made to make the brake controller and 7-Way trailer connector fully functional. I have included a link to an FAQ article that explains the connections that need to be made under the hood.

If you still want to hardwire in the brake controller, the wiring functions on the brake controller wiring are as follows.

Black = 12 volt power
White = ground
Red = connects to cold side stop light wire on brake switch
Blue = output to 7-Way for trailer brakes

You can use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to test the truck wiring for function.