Solution for Integrated Brake Controller 2016 Chevy Silverado Wont Work with Dexter Actuator EOH
Question:
using the integrated brake controller, if i manually apply the trailer brakes they work fine, but when using brake pedal they are low output or none. All connections have been checked bias at full power. Trailer brakes are a Dexter electric over hydraulic disc brakes. Seems issue is between bake pedal and brake controller sine it works in manual. What do you recommend for a fix?
asked by: Gene
Expert Reply:
Integrated brake controllers like what you have in your 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 don't always like to be used with electric over hydraulic actuators like the Dexter unit you have. In 2015 Chevy started putting integrated brake controllers in their trucks that were supposed to be compatible with electric over hydraulic actuator systems but you aren't the first person to have an issue that we are aware of with it and the Dexter actuator.
Best option is to bypass the factory controller of your truck with an aftermarket one like the P3 part # 90195 which works great with the EOH style of brakes you have and gives you what many refer to as the best controller you can get. You'll need to use the part # 3016 to install the controller as well but you will need to run one wire.
You will need to remove the blue wire from the end that plugs into the truck. You will then take a length of wire, # 10-1-1, and connect it to the blue wire you removed from the connector.
Route the blue wire through the firewall, under the truck, and to the trailer connector. Avoid hot or moving parts like suspension and exhaust.
At the trailer connector, remove the wire in the 7 oclock position (looking at the back of the connector where the wires attach). Tape it up and stow it out of the way. Then attach the wire you ran to the 7 o'clock position. This will bypass the factory controller without causing any dash lights/error messages to appear.
The # 10-1-1 wire is sold in lengths of 1 foot. So if you needed 20 feet you would put 20 in the quantity box.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Hanger Kit for Slipper Springs and 38 inch Wheelbase
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Why Is 5th Wheel Trailer Clunking When Starting/Stopping with B&W Companion and MORryde Pin Box
- Q&A: Troubleshooting A Clunking Noise Between A Fifth Wheel Hitch And Base Rails While Towing
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and the P3 Brake Controllers
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2015 Honda Pilot