Troubleshooting OEM Brake Controller 2016 Chevy Silverado Not Working with Brake Pedal

Updated 05/10/2023 | Published 05/09/2023

Question:

Hello, Im replacing all the wiring on my 23-year-old trailer including the electric brakes on my tandem axle trailer. I purchased 2 sets of Dexter brakes and have installed them on one side. I wired up the connector box, battery, and break away switch and trailer ground. When I go to test them in my 2016 Silverado 1500 with integrated trailer brakes the petal doesn’t actuate the brake. I have the gain set to 4.5, and when I move the manual slide the trailer brakes work as expected. I also tested the break away switch and that also engages the brakes. I used 12 gauge stranded wire that is for marine trailers and used a splice on the first axle and the second axle I used a coupling connector. Both I used either shrink tubing or electrical tape to keep them from grounding out. On the red wire I have that hooked for ground at the connector box, and the black I am using for the power side. At first, I thought I had an issue with my truck, however I tested with another trailer I wired with the same Dexter brakes that was only a single axle and the petal actuated those brakes just fine. I’m not sure what the issue is at this point. Fuses for the trailer brakes appears to be fine. Any help is appreciated.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

Your generation of truck has this issue sometimes and the problem ends up being that the third brake light fuse is blown. This is same circuit as the brake controller stoplight circuit of your truck so what I would recommend is check to see if your third brake lights up when you press the brakes and if not replace the fuse for the third brake light.

expert reply by: Jameson C