BRake Controller not Recognizing Trailer When Installed on my 1996 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Updated 05/04/2020 | Published 04/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6614)

$179.85

7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side

(369)

$13.57

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$82.40

Question:

hi i recently installed a tekonsha p3 in my 96 silverado k2500, as title states the controller wont detect my trailer load trail 2 axel dump trailer however the harness is powering all the trailer lights. my truck is properly outputting voltage with both the brake pedal and manual override verfied by controller troubleshooting and electrical meter @ truck side of trailer 7 way it does however say 0.0 on output current amps just fyi another vehicle also had no brakes on this same trailer AND my truck did work with a flat trailer i also own. so far i have looked at all the visible wiring for the electric brakes on the trailer dexteraxel nev R adjust i have not been able to check wiring running through each axel or test the brake magnets.. i feel like a bad brake magnet causing this seems unlikely unless they are wired in series and one goes out and they all do? even still wouldnt the trailer still be recognized but brakes wont work? any insight would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Kevin S

Expert Reply:

This is a pretty common issue. Basically it boils down the plug on the trailer 90% of the time. Occasionally it is the trailer wiring but as you said you inspected it and it looks okay. I like to look right in the end of the plug and use a little screwdriver to bend the tabs inward slightly. This will make the connections tighter and it should recognize the trailer. The brake blade in the 7 way may also be corroded or missing. If this is the case replace it with the Bargman 7-Way Connector part # A7WCB or the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit part # HS381-9000 if you want to add a junction box for future use.

expert reply by: Randy B