No 12 Volt Power Reaching Trailer Connector on 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Updated 05/01/2013 | Published 04/26/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Metal 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Socket - Vehicle End

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$13.99

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.84

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

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$10.94

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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$7.40

Question:

Hi, I read the reply to a reader on a later 2005 or so truck how about my 2003 Silverado 2500HD version ? thanks a bunch. in AZ

asked by: Steve M

Expert Reply:

In later model years (2007-2011) Chevrolet did not complete all the trailer wiring connections, but this should not be the case in your 2003 Silverado. If your 7-way has worked previously then there is a chance the connector is corroded or damaged, or that the factory wiring has failed.

Check for signs of whitish or greenish discoloration on the contacts and apply an electrical contact cleaner as needed. Inspect the connector for damage and to ensure all wiring to the connector pins are solidly attached. Take care to check that the white chassis ground is solidly connected to the vehicle.

If everything is connected properly and you are still not getting power at the 7-Way, you could bypass the factory 12V connection. Please refer to the included article and photo. You can cut the wire a few inches forward of the trailer connector. (You need the wire in the 11:00 position if looking at the back of the 7-Way where the wires attach.)

Attach one end of a 25 foot piece of # 10-10-1 wire to the 7-Way end of the old wire. Then route the new wire under the truck forward, avoiding areas that may pinch or melt the wire like suspension or exhaust components, and route it up into the engine compartment and over near the battery.

Under the hood, attach a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, to the metal of the engine compartment. Route the wire to the breaker and clip off any excess as it will be needed. Attach a ring terminal to the end of the wire and attach it to the AUX post on the breaker. Using the extra wire, attach a ring terminal to one end and connect it to the BAT post on the breaker. Route the other end to the battery until it reaches the positive battery terminal. Remove any extra wire. Attach a ring terminal to the wire and attach it to the positive battery terminal.

Once you have power restored I suggest you treat all connections with dielectric grease to protect them from dirt and corrosion. You can use part # 11755.