Electric Brakes Not Working when with Factory Brake Controller on 2013 Silverado and 2014 Yukon

Updated 06/11/2025 | Published 09/21/2014

Question:

Have single axle enclosed CM cargo trailer with electric brakes. They work and show up on the factory controller on my 2011 F150 but do not show up or register on factory brake controller on 2013 Silverado 3/4 ton or 2014 new GMC Yukon Denali XL. Lights, turn signals and brake lights work on all three. What should I do or check? Was going to buy some LED conversions for this trailer, but need brakes to work first. Thanks,

asked by: Frank W

Expert Reply:

Since we know that the trailer brakes do work since they work with your 2011 Ford F-150, the issue must be with the factory brake controllers in the 2013 Silverado and 2014 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The fact that they are GM vehicles is a clue. Sometimes, for whatever reason, GM will not make the tow package fully functional at the factory. You would have to make some connections under the hood.

Even though I have not heard of this being an issue on models with factory installed brake controllers, it is still possible. I am not 100 percent sure on the 2014 Yukon but on the Silverado you can use the linked help article on the right to see if the connections are made. Just follow the relevant parts of the help article.

For the Yukon, you may need to swing by a GM dealer and ask if there are connections that need to be made.

It is also possible that you will need to adjust the power settings on the factory GM controllers. If set too low, they may not register anything. The vehicle owners manuals should have more information on that.

expert reply by: Michael H