Troubleshooting Strange Brake Controller Behavior from Draw Tite Activator in 2001 Chevy Tahoe

Updated 09/10/2018 | Published 09/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.67

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

(1194)

$19.55

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

(483)

$19.50

Question:

I have a Draw-Tite Activator controller originally on a 1997 Suburban. Worked fine. Moved to a 2001 Tahoe with a prewired trailer package. Bought the proper harness to plug into the underdash fuse box. Wired the harness color to color and mounted. Hooked up trailer and found no activation of trailers brakes when brake pedal applied. Manual control works, however, when pushing on manual control, dashlights, tail lights tow vehicle and trailer come on. Found this out heading out for an outing, so went with it. At dusk, when my automatic headlights came on, trailer brakes applied. I checked my wiring for controller to harness ok. Took rear receptacle apart to check for corrosion/shorted connectors all ok. Started getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, so called it a night. Thought of you folks and decided to ask for your help. So, HELP!!!!!!! Thanks,

asked by: Rick A

Expert Reply:

The correct brake controller install harness for a Draw Tite Activator part # 5504 in a 2001 Chevy Tahoe is the part # 3025-P which happens to be the same connector style as the # 3015-P but with a different pin out. Most likely you are trying to install a 3015-P and that's why the wiring seems way off.

What you can do if you do not want to buy a new harness is move the wire locations on the end of the connector you have at the end that plugs into the vehicle. It should be configured like the picture I have included.

expert reply by: Jameson C