Brake Controller is Not Receiving a Signal from the Brake Switch on a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 HD

Updated 07/18/2012 | Published 07/15/2012

Question:

Im the original owner of a 2002 chevy 2500hd 8.1l with an alison. Ive been using a Hopkins Brake Force controller, with no problems until recent. The controller indicated a trailer short, while working when it wanted to. Even the manual over ride didnt work as it should . After going thru the trailer and not finding anything, I hooked up the triler and the problems continued. Now Im finding there is no signal from the brake switch to the controller. All of the tail lights, blinkers and stop lights all work on the truck and the trailer. There is power where the controller plugs in under the dash, left of the steering culumn. Just no signal to the controller from the brake switch, when brake is pushed. NO wiring mods at all. I have been towing with this trailer for more than 5 years. Have you ever heard of this problem?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Since you have power from the brake switch at the connector for the brake control wiring harness on your vehicle, then the issue probably lies within the wiring adapter that you are using or the brake controller itself.

I would first recommend checking the connections for any dirt, debris or bent pins. If the connections look okay, then test the red wire on the wiring adapter that connects the brake controller to the brake control connector on your truck to see if the signal is passing through the adapter. The red wire carries the brake switch signal. If the red wire on the wiring adapter does not have signal, then the adapter may be bad and can be replaced with part # HM47795.

Sometimes debris and dirt build up on the connections for the manual override as well. You can try to clean the connection by pushing the override button quickly and repeatedly to clean off the connectors.

If your issues still persist, then the brake controller itself is probably bad. Brake controllers do not have internal serviceable parts, so the entire brake controller would have to be replaced.

expert reply by: John H