Troubleshooting 2017 Chevy Silverado Brake Controller that Stopped Working with Pedal

Question

Question:

i have a 2017 silverado 1500 recently purchased a camper trailer brakes dont seem to be working i tested trailer brake wire in junction box on tongue while pushing brake peddle test light dont come on if squeeze the manual tabs light lights up factory brake control i have several trailers but nothing with integrated braking like this truck any input is greatly appreciated thank you mike

asked by: Adams M

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike, so this is a pretty common problem with Silverado trucks and the problem ends up being a blown third brake light fuse since that is same circuit used to activate brake controller. So check that fuse. It can also be easily tested by pressing the brake and seeing if the third brake light comes on in the back window.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jameson C.

1/19/2026

Hey Mike, did checking that third brake light fuse solve the issue with your trailer brakes on the Silverado? Knowing how it turned out could really help others running into the same problem.

Answer 1

Hey Frank, since your 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Trail Boss has a 2 inch lift from the factory so the correct Hellwig rear sway bar would be the part #HE86XR. Do you tow or have a camper?

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Answer 2

Hi Duane, Yes, the TorkLift Tie Downs #TL86NR would work even with a Hellwig Adjustable Big Wig Rear Anti-Sway Bar #HE96XR. The front tie-downs sit on the outside of the frame and the rear tie-downs sit far enough away from the sway bar that there…

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Answer 3

Hi Michael; those are the threaded plates with the wire handle referenced in the #HE96XR instructions starting with step 2. They go into the slots on the inside of the frame rails above the rear axle. The wire is there to help guide the plate forward…

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Answer 4

If you have a 7-way installed on your vehicle and trailer and the 12-volt power circuit goes to a battery installed on the trailer it will lightly charge the battery when the connectors are connected. You should note that it will not charge a dead…

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Answer 5

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part #90195 for basically every towing situation but especially for an electric over hydraulic setup like what you have. This is our best selling brake controller because of how…

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Answer 6

It does sound like there is a possible short with the brake magnets on your trailer, especially if all the wiring looks good between the brake controller and vehicle connector. I recommend first making sure that each magnet has one wire secured to…

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Answer 7

The wires to install the Prodigy P3 #90195 are indeed already run and under your dash. I have added a link to an installation video showing exactly how to install this brake controller in a 2011 GMC Sierra like yours. On the Prodigy the blue wire is…

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Answer 8

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 9

Hey Mike, it does sound like your trailer has brakes so it would be wise to install a brake controller so that you can operate them when towing. The harness in your glove compartment is most likely just to help wire in a controller but I have an…

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Answer 10

I recommend a 12 volt car battery rather than a breakaway battery because you may end up needing the larger battery down the road. What you will do is attach a battery box (see link for options) to the trailer frame. From the trailer side 7-Way…

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Answer 11

To install a brake controller on your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4x4, you will just need the vehicle specific plug-in adapter. These adapters are usually brand specific. For example, if you go with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller,…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Troubleshooting 2017 Chevy Silverado Brake Controller that Stopped Working with Pedal

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