Troubleshooting A Non-Working OEM Brake Controller In A 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500

Updated 06/17/2023 | Published 06/15/2023

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Question:

My factory OEM brake controller on a 2016 Chevrolet 2500 HD is not working. Whenever I hook up to both of my trailers I do not get the notification on my dash that it is even connected. I do not get a response when I manual apply the brakes. Now all of my lights work my brake lights turn signals and running lights they work just fine. I just don’t understand why it’s not coming up on my dash that trailer is connected and why I can’t adjust the gain. Please help..

asked by: Forest W

Expert Reply:

If the factory brake controller in your 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 isn't even powering on and registering that you're connected to the trailer then it's most likely a blown fuse. You'll just want to look at your owner's manual and find the correct fuse in the diagram for the factory brake controller. Once you find the fuse you can test both sides of it with a circuit tester # PTW2993 to see if power is passing through and out to the brake controller.

Once we we know you have power you can hit the manual override and test for the signal at your 7-way with the circuit tester on the brake controller pin (pictured below). You're still getting the lighting functions through your 7-way because those are powered separately from the brake controller so it really just confirms that the issue isn't with your 7-way or the trailer and that the issue is just the brake controller.

expert reply by: Kevin C