Brakes Lose Power When Parking Lights are on With P3 Brake Controller on 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Updated 05/31/2012 | Published 05/27/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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 recently purchased the pigtail to use with a Tekonsha P3 brake controller and tried it out today. The brake controller works ok when the parking lights are off, but when I turn the parking lights on, the trailer brakes activate at about 1/3 power. If I turn the lights off, the brakes turn off as well. I took a look online and saw there was a wiring change in 2003 so I wonder if the adapter I bought wont work with my truck. Ill try with the FJ and see if the same problem occurs.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

You are correct, GM did change the wiring configuration for the brake controller wiring adapter in 2003. The plug-in wiring adapter, # 3015-P, that you referenced is for most 2003 to 2006 GM trucks, which explains why you lose power to your brakes when using the parking lights.

The adapter that comes wired for your 2000 Chevrolet Silverado is the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter, # 3025-P. Instead of waiting a few days to receive the correct adapter, you could easily re-pin the adapter that you have. You simply need to move the red wire from its current position to the corner slot between the white and black wire. You can remove the wire from the orange connector by pushing the small plastic clip up that holds the wire in place and removing the blue tab.

I have attached two photos and a video I made for you to check out. One photo shows the clip that needs to be pushed up to release the red wire and the other photo shows the correct location of the red wire for your truck.

expert reply by: John H