Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes not Working on a 2008 Chevy Integrated Brake Controller

Updated 03/07/2013 | Published 03/04/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Twist-in, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles - Vehicle End

(619)

$21.84

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(62)

$13.94

Question:

There is no power to the brakes the truck has a factory control in the cab

asked by: Bryan S

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would test is the brake circuit on the 7-way at the rear of your 2008 Chevy truck. You will want to use a circuit tester like our part # 3808 to test the brake output circuit for voltage when the brake is applied.

This will tell you if the problem is on the trailer or the truck. If there is voltage at the 7-way then you know the problem is in the trailer wiring. If there is not voltage then you know the problem lies somewhere in the tow vehicle.

You could also try connecting to a different trailer for the same effect.

On the trailer side the usual problems are corrosion on the trailer connector or cut, exposed wire that is creating a short. You will also want to check the grounds on the brake assemblies and make sure they are attached to a clean, metal surface.

On the vehicle you will want to start at the trailer connector and check for corrosion on the brake output circuit.

expert reply by: Jameson C