Locating Brake Stoplight Signal to Install Brake Controller on 2012 Chevy Equinox
Updated 05/15/2012 | Published 05/14/2012
Question:
I purchased this controller from you for my 2012 Chevy Equinox without factory wiring. I am having a problem with finding the wire on the brake switch that goes hot when the brake is applied. I asked at my Chevy dealer and was told that the switch only sends a signal to a circuit board which controls the brake lights and that the switch wire never goes hot. Bottom line: Will this controller work on my vehicle or do I need to return it and purchase an inertia type controller? Thanks
asked by: Carl E
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite # 5500 Brake Controller can certainly be installed on your vehicle, but the procedure for finding the stoplight signal on your 2012 Equinox is a bit different than on other vehicles.
As you are sitting in the drivers seat, the BCM (Body Control Module) is located under the dash above where your left knee would be. The module (think of it as a junction box) will have 7 different wire connectors that plug into it. Look for the black connector (all the connectors are different colors) that has 26 different slots for wires to insert into. In wire position # 11, there will be a white wire that carries the brake stoplight signal. Use the quick connector to tap the red brake controller wire into this circuit, and you will be good to go. Be sure to use a circuit tester like part # 40376 to confirm that the white wire only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.
I have edited a diagram showing the location of the BCM, as well as the # 11 wire position in the black connector.
