Troubleshooting Trailer Connection Wiring on 2013 Chevrolet Silverado

Published 10/12/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hex Screw - Self Drilling Unslotted Washer Head #8 x 1/2"

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Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

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12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

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Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

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Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 10-12 Gauge - Yellow - Qty 1

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Question:

It looks like Im having a ground issue on my 2013 Silverado. Where is the ground location for the trailer hitch wiring?

asked by: Shane

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are having an issue with the ground on your 7-way trailer connection. The first thing to do is use a little sand paper or steel wool and clean the connections of your 7-way. Then add some dielectric grease # 11755 to keep the connections clean and free of moisture. If that doesn't solve your ground connection, then you will simply trace the wire harness from the back side of your 7-way to find where it is physically connected to the truck frame. The white wire in the back of your 7-way is the ground. When you find that connection location, make sure it is free of debris, rust, or corrosion. The connection should be bare metal to bare metal.

If you are having trouble tracing that wire to find the ground location, you can create a solid ground connection by simply splicing into that white wire. Use a short length of # 12-1-1 and a quick splice connector # SWC501915-1 to connect to your current wiring. Then use a ring terminal like # 44-5310A and a self tapping screw # 101131802 to create a solid ground to your truck frame.

expert reply by: Jason S