Troubleshooting Voltage Output from Electric Brake Controller on 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Published 08/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End

(2636)

$43.19

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$22.17

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

How much voltage should there be at the brake terminal on the truck plug connector when the trailer brake is applied? Im getting 0.9 and the trailer brakes dont work.

asked by: Curt F

Expert Reply:

The voltage at your 5 o'clock plug on your 7-Way trailer connector like # HM40975 should be between the 0.9 you are getting and 12 volts. Test this plug with an incandescent circuit tester like # PTW2993 because it will have a draw on the wire that a multimeter like # PT89ZR won't have. This will help your brake controller to recognize connection to send power.

To test, use the manual override function on your controller and the power will increase and the light on your circuit tester will get brighter as this increases power. Once you have determined it is working, then you can make adjustments on your controller itself for output power when you hit the brake pedal.

I've attached an article on testing your controller. Keep in mind that a proportional controller will only give the proportionate amount of pressure it senses that the pedal and that will change as you move.

expert reply by: Jason S