Replacing the Factory Brake Controller in 2009 Silverado 2500HD with Aftermarket Controller

Updated 08/27/2019 | Published 08/26/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

Question:

I am going to replace my oem controller with a P3, but am a bit confused about the instructions you have at: https://www.etrailer.com/faq-tb-2007-2009-GM-Full-Size-Truck-w-Factory-Installed-Brake-Controller.aspx It says I must connect two wires under the hood, one to power the P3, the other to charge the trailer batteries. I understand the power wire for the P3, but not the other one. Since I already had a working/charging factory 7-pin before the oem unit failed, would I still have to connect a new wire to charge the trailer batteries?

asked by: Steve M

Expert Reply:

The short answer to your question is, yes, you still need to connect the power wire under the hood and run a wire into your factory 7 way trailer connector when installing your Tekonsha P3 # 90195 .

From our experience, for whatever reason, GM started disconnecting the circuit (circuit #742) that ran auxiliary power to the 7 way trailer connector at the factory when they began installing the integrated brake controllers. The integrated system was able to provide power to that wire at the 7 way, but adding an aftermarket system changes that configuration, so the connection needs to be made. This information came out with the GM technical bulletin #07-08-45-001F

expert reply by: Erik B