How to Wire a Brake Controller to a 1998 Chevrolet Pick Up Truck
Updated 12/05/2012 | Published 12/02/2012
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Question:
Hi, Can you please help me? I need a wiring diagram for a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller for a 1998 Chevy Silverado. Thanks
asked by: Mike R
Expert Reply:
I have attached a diagram that shows how to wire a brake controller from scratch. If your truck did not come with a 7-way trailer connector, then you will also need to use the Installation Kit, # ETBC7. Your 1998 Chevrolet Pick up will not have a plug-in style connector option for the brake controller, so it will have to be hard wired to the vehicle.
There will be four wires coming from the brake controller. The white wire is the ground and that should either be attached to the negative battery terminal or to a clean, bare metal surface. The black wire from the brake controller will attach to the positive battery terminal via a 20-amp or 30-amp circuit breaker to power the brake controller. If your trailer has 2 or 4 brakes, then you will use a 20-amp circuit breaker. If your trailer has more than 4 brakes, then you will use a 30-amp circuit breaker. The blue wire is for the brake output circuit and that will run back to the 7-way trailer connector. Finally, the red wire will connect to the cold side of the stop light switch behind the brake pedal. Use a circuit tester like the tester included with the # ETBC7 kit to find the wire that only gets hot when the brake pedal is pressed. This will send a signal to the brake controller each time you press the brake pedal.
I have attached an FAQ article on wiring a brake controller from scratch as well as an installation video for you to check out. The vehicle in the video is different from your truck, but the installation process will be the same.
If you already have a 7-way connector on your trailer, then you will only need the brake controller wiring kit, # 5506. This will provide you with the wires for the brake output circuit and the power wire and circuit breaker for the brake controller. You will also need an additional length of wire, # 10-1-1, and a quick splice, # SWC502905-1, to connect the red wire to the stop light switch wire.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Single Trailer Only
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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