Troubleshooting No 12V Power or Stop Light Switch Signals for Controller on a 2016 Chevy Express Van

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/21/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo In-Line Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ OneControl App - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(41)

$414.95

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$126.53

Question:

MY 2016 CHEV EXPRESS VAN HAS THE 4 WIRES UNDER THE DASH FOR THE CONTROLLER BUT, THE POWER WIRE IS HAS NO 12V IN IT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH WIRE ALSO DOES NOT HEAT UP WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED

asked by: GREG T

Expert Reply:

Hey Greg,

Since the 4 brake controller wires under your 2016 Chevy Express dash aren't all functional it sounds like you'll need to check and see if any fuses need to be replaced to get power to the brake controller wiring. I'm not sure why your stop light switch isn't giving you a signal though - that could be a fuse, but those don't always have fuses so you might need to try to trace the wiring as best you can to see if it's been damaged anywhere that you can fix.

Worst-case scenario you can run your own 12V power with 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and install the Universal Stop Light Switch # RM-751000 to get your signals, but let's hope you find some bad fuses because that can be a pain.

If you don't already have a brake controller then you might consider the Curt Echo In-Line # C79DR which just requires the trailer lights and 12V power pins to be active back at the 7-Way on your van. You monitor and adjust the controls via an app on your phone which can be nice because it means you aren't taking up more room in the cab of your van.

expert reply by: Jon G

Robin H.

12/22/2025

Hey Greg, did checking the fuses or tracing the wiring get power back to your brake controller wires on the Chevy Express? Your update could make it easier for others sorting out similar wiring issues.

Greg T.

12/22/2025

@RobinH This is odd.... I didn't ask the question or have a Chevy. But this is my email?

Robin H.

12/22/2025

@GregT that is odd! It was under this email, and name. Hard to say how that happened unless someone has the same name and their email is similar so they entered yours on accident. Seems unlikely but you never know. I'll switch up the main email so if anyone else replies on this page it won't come through to you.