Troubleshooting Lack of Trailer Brake Power at 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 06/26/2018 | Published 06/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Twist-in, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles - Vehicle End

(618)

$17.20

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$13.03

Question:

2011 yukon xl No power on trailer brake terminal at bumper, all trailer lights work

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

If you have no power on the brake controller output terminal of your 7-way (which is the 5 o'clock pin) then you most likely have a short in your wire or a bad brake controller. I recommend starting your troubleshooting using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 on that pin. If when you hit the manual override on your brake controller, you get no power as you increase the output with the manual override then I recommend next checking directly behind that connector which is normally a blue wire. If you still don't have power there, next your will check directly behind your brake controller. Again, this is normally a blue wire. If you have no power in that location when using that manual override, then your brake controller is the issue.

If you have power behind the controller, then I recommend running a new wire to your trailer connector using # 10-1-1 sold by the foot.

If you are just installing a brake controller, then there are connections under the hood that need to be made. I've attached an article to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S