Troubleshooting OEM Trailer Brake Controller In 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 Not Working

Updated 05/18/2021 | Published 05/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.65

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(66)

$14.36

Question:

Hi there, I have researched and researched and can’t seem to find an answer. I have a 2015 Chevy 2500 with the factory brake controller. I have a brand new trailer 16’ utility and have tested the brakes. I had the manufacture test the brakes and they work on the trailer. I then had my dad hook the trailer to his pickup which is 09 Chevy, and it worked like it’s supposed to. You could hear the buzzing from the brakes. Now on my pickup you can’t hear no buzzing. I have checked all fuses and connections. We have tested with test light and have no power to the plug on bumper when brake peddle is pushed. I also have a plug in the bed of the truck. I don’t feel like my controller is working like the one on my dads pickup. He does have the prodigy aftermarket one. Any ideas on my issue?

asked by: Matt B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since the issue is somewhere on your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 that helps give us some more precise troubleshooting steps.

First you will want to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to check the 5 o'clock pin on the 7-way connector as this is the brake output pin. If you controller does not have a manual override you will need to hook up the trailer and have someone apply the brakes while you test this wire on the back of the connector.

If you are not getting power then you will need to trace the wire up towards the controller looking for any damage that is causing power to not make its way back to the trailer.

I will say that the OEM controllers have quite a few issues no matter which brand, and you may be better off just going ahead and replacing it with an after market controller.

If you choose to go this route I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as it is an extremely reliable controller with great features like an easy to read LCD screen and built in diagnostics that are easy to read and understand.

To install the # 90195 in your truck you will need the plug-in adapter # 3016 which will plug into the factory trailer brake controller port underneath the dash of your truck. You will need to unplug your factory trailer brake controller to plug this controller in.

You will need to cut the blue wire off of the adapter and run # 10-1-1 from the adapter to the 5 o'clock brake output pin on your 7-way connector. When you get it to the connector you will cut the factory wire and tape it up out of the way.

This will keep you from having any error codes on your dash.

I included a few videos of the products mentioned, and a link to a helpful article on wiring for you to take a look at.