Brake Controller troubleshooting on a 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4
Updated 10/05/2009 | Published 10/04/2009 >
Question:
MY TRAILER BRAKE ONLY WORKS WHEN I USE THE SLIDER TO APPLY THE BRAKES, NOT WITH THE FOOT PEDDLE
asked by: DAVID R
Expert Reply:
If the Draw-Tite 2-4 Brake Electronic Brake Controller is applying the brakes with the slider and not when you step on the brake then this is showing that you have power to the brake controller through the black wire and that the blue wire going to the trailer brakes is connected. This means that the input from the brake pedal switch must be the problem.
Make sure that the brake controller is grounded properly and test the red wire going into the controller with a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if needed. You should get power through this circuit when the brake pedal is applied and there should be no power when the brake pedal is not pressed. If you are not getting power through the red wire then you may have an improperly wired adapter for your vehicle (see below).
If you do have power going in when the pedal is pushed and no power coming out check the power setting, if this is not the problem the controller must have an internal problem. Brake controllers are not user serviceable.
Your suburban uses a Universal Brake Control Wiring Adapter 2003 - 06 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, item # 3015-S, which should have the red wire in the bottom right corner looking at the connection side of the connector, with the locking tab in the down position. If your red wire is in the top left position then you will need to move it to the bottom right position by removing the blue locking clip and pressing on a very small locking tab on the connection side of the terminal,with a small screwdriver to remove the wire and install it into the correct port on the connector.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How to Test Brake Controller without Trailer Connected
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Trailer Turn Signals Both Blink when Just Left Turn Signal is Activated
- Q&A: Trailers Right Tail Light Stays on Even While Unplugged
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Right Side Trailer Lights Not Working, Left Side Working Correctly
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Q&A: Troubleshooting A Thomas Payne Recliner That Will Not Recline
- Q&A: Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)



