Brake Output Pin on 7-Way has Constant Power After Brake Controller Install

Updated 03/27/2018 | Published 03/26/2018

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Question:

I am installing this new brake controller on a 2011 Chevy Silverado. The truck has all of the wiring harness installed at factory, so I made the necessary splices under the dash and installed the aftermarket 7 prong plug in the rear bumper plugs into proprietary plug installed in factory. in checking voltage and confirming that everything operates correctly before wiring my trailer older piece of equipment with dry rotted wiring, replacing all cables to lights and brakes I noticed at the 7 way plug in the bumper that I can ohme through the back up lights and the ground, and I have 12 volts constant on the electric brakes tab. Is this normal? I am familiar with 4 flat wiring and electrical in general, but have not used trailer brakes or back up lights on a trailer before. I did unplug the controller at the dash and that eliminated the constant 12 volts, so I know it is not a short in the vehicle wiring, I just do not know if that power is supposed to be constant or only come on when I press the brakes?

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

There should not be a constant 12 volts at the brake output circuit on the vehicle's 7-way unless the manual override is set to the max output and applied. The brake output circuit is located at the 5 o'clock position on the 7-way which is usually a blue wire.

It sounds like you may have mixed up the wires while installing the Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller part # TK63VR on your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The wires you will need to connect to are already ran under the dash but you will need to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to be sure you are making the correct connections. The black wire on the controller is for 12 volt power, the blue wire is for the brake output, the red wire is for the stop light switch and the white wire is for the ground.

Please check the brake controller wires and let me know what you come up with. I have attached our wiring help article for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L