Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes on 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500

Updated 03/21/2018 | Published 03/20/2018

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.61

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$14.40

Question:

2006 Silverado 2500hd 6.6 my problem is when I apply the brakes the trailer brakes either work or they dont. If they work they will always remain working as long as the brake pedal is applied, same if they dont work they have never came on or off while braking they either work or not as long as the brake pedal is applied. Hope I explain that well enough.

asked by: Graylen

Helpful Expert Reply:

On your 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500, it sounds like you have a bad ground connection or a bad brake light signal connection at your controller. I recommend checking the red wire on your controller using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to ensure you are getting signal each time you hit the brake pedal for as long as you press the pedal. Then I recommend checking your white ground wire to ensure you have a clean and solid connection. If that wire is not secure that would account for the trouble you are experiencing and you will want to add a ground that is bare metal to metal for proper function.

Next, test your 5 o'clock pin for function when using the brake pedal and the manual override. If that all checks out, then you have isolated the issue to your trailer. Check the ground on the trailer to ensure a bare metal to metal frame connection and then check the ground connections at each brake assembly for the same. You want to make sure they are free of any debris or corrosion.

Finally, check the wires leading to your brake assemblies for a short and replace with # 10-1-1 as needed.

expert reply by: Jason S