Instructions for 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller Wiring on a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Question

Question:

1999 Chev Silverado, TWD trailer connection on frame hitch. Truck came with pull/haul transmission switch but I dont think it has a trailer package whatever that is. Never used electric brakes on a trailer, never hooked up to any. I do remember there was a harness by the spare tire when I hooked up the trailer wiring in another lifetime. The more I study your pages and videos the more confused I get. What do I need in the way of controller, and do I need any other wiring harness? I have a panel in the cab at the left end of the dash with some fuses and connections, the end just pops off. 2. Do I need any more wires than those already at the spare tire supplied by Chevy?

asked by: Ken

0

Expert Reply:

The Prodigy brake controller you have selected will work great on your 1999 Chevrolet Pickup. Brake controllers are not vehicle specific so any one you like will work, you just need to get the correct adapter to go along with the brake controller and your vehicle. For your truck you will need the Tekonsha Wire Replacement for GM Vehicles, 1999 - 2002, item # 3025-P. The brake controller wiring harness plugs into the second slot from the top left in the electrical junction box under the dash.

Next, you will need a 7-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle, if you do not have one installed already. If there is a plug above the spare tire, you can use the Replacement Trailer Connector for GM Trucks, item # 30955, which will plug right into the connector. If your vehicle does not have the connector there will be a bundle of wires above the spare tire. These can be connected to the Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket, item # PK11898, using a circuit tester, item # 40376, to connect the wires to the correct function on the vehicle.

Finally, you may need to make some connections under the hood to activate the power to the electric brake controller in the cab of the truck, send power to the trailer connector for the trailer brakes and supply 12 volt power at the trailer connector. There is a curved bracket in the corner of the engine compartment, near the hood hinge. You will need to remove this bracket and the black plastic cover below it. Once removed you will find a red wire with a ring terminal on it and a blue wire with a factory connector on it. Attach the red wire to the power post closest to the cab of the vehicle. Then using an appropriate length of 10 gauge wire, item # 10-1-1, attach one wire, we use white, to the blue wire and the other, black, wire to the forward most power post. Run the double bonded wire back to the brake terminal and 12 volt terminal in the 7-Way connector.

A fuse may need to be installed in the locations closest to the brake controller power post, 30 amp, and 12 volt power post, 40 amp, under the hood in the power distribution box.

I have linked instructions for wiring the 1999-2006 Chevy trucks for you to review. I have also linked to wiring harness installation videos for you to review that should help at the back of the vehicle.