Installation Instructions For Brake Controller On 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Published 10/15/2014

Question:

when i hook up my 12v power to distribution box truck tells me to service trailer brakes and brakes will not work, otherwise with this wire unhooked brakes work fine. Thanks

asked by: Lewis H

Expert Reply:

When under the hood of your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado locate a red wire that has a ring terminal to the right of the distribution box between the box and the fender. This wire provides the power to the brake controller and needs to be attached to the silver stud on the left of the distribution box.

You said you attached the 12V power wire to the box. It should be attached to the stud located on the right side of the box. You will also need to add a 40 amp fuse to the fuse box to make sure your circuit is enabled. You want to make sure both of these wires with terminals are secured with nuts that you will need to supply.

You mentioned that when you unhook the power wire, the brakes work fine. Are you sure the brakes are working fine on the trailer when the power is not there? Also, is this a new installation or was everything working and now doesn't work? You may have a short in the system that is causing the errors when you connect the wire. Do you have a factory brake controller or is this an after-market?
I have attached an installation video that shows how to install a brake controller on a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L