Does 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Need to be Programmed for Aftermarket Brake Controller to Work

Published 12/02/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(925)

$135.95

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(171)

$13.00

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5

(1104)

$8.26

Question:

Hello I purchased your Curt 51140 TRI flex brake controller and Quick plug adapter harness. Upon installation s oon as I hit the break pedal or manual slide OL appears. I unplugged and plugged in numerous times to reset it which it does it every time I do that the OL appears. So the manual says there is a short in the blue wire, I looked underneath the truck could not find any loose wires this is the first time I’m ever towing with this vehicle. So I called the dealer to bring the truck in because it’s under warranty they said it has to be t programmed and they will not do it with the Curt product I would have to purchase a controller from GM and They would have to program it have you ever heard anything like this I thought this was a simple plug and play. Thank you

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

The only time that you would need to have the computer on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 programmed for an aftermarket brake controller is if you initially had an OEM controller installed. Since you didn't have the OEM controller, the Curt TriFlex # C24VV and Wiring Adapter # C51451 should just be a simple plug and play application. Unfortunately we have found that dealers tend to either not know a whole lot about this stuff or they write off aftermarket products as automatic no-fits.

The OL code doesn't necessarily mean just loose wiring. It could mean the wiring is possible cut or bent somewhere, or it could mean that there is some debris or damage on the 7-Way connection. If you are able to take a tester and determine that the issue is on that output wire then worst case scenario is that you can use some 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5 to run your own wiring and completely bypass the OEM wiring that is causing trouble.

expert reply by: Jon G