How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2000 Chevy Express 1500

Updated 06/06/2014 | Published 06/05/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(484)

$18.53

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2776)

$160.07

In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(100)

$6.47

Curt Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(367)

$26.94

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3415)

$134.90

Question:

Will this plug into my 2000 Chevy Express van 1500 with 4.3 liter V-6?

asked by: Andrew Z

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your 2000 Chevy Express Van 1500 has a factory 7-way at the rear of the vehicle (if not I'll address that too later). Express vans like yours with the 7-Way tow package have the blue output brake wire already ran from the back to the front. It is located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal.

There isn't a plug-in adapter that will work on your vehicle to install a brake controller as there isn't a port under the dash for that.

You will basically need to run the blue wire from whatever brake controller you chose to install on your vehicle to the blue wire under the dash. The red wire will need to tap into the brake light signal circuit. This is the circuit that sees voltage only when the brakes are applied. The white wire will run to the negative side of the vehicle battery. The black wire will connect to the positive side of the vehicle battery through a circuit breaker like part # 9506P.

The brake controller we recommend the most is the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is the best selling controller on the market because of how easy it is to setup and use, and how well it works.

If you have no trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle you will need to start with a 4-way. For that you would want the Curt Wiring Connector part # C56175. Next, you will need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way. For that you would want the 4 to 7-way adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.