How To Install The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885 On A 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

I have a 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500. The user manual says that there is wiring for a brake controller under the dash. Can you tell me how to install the controller and if there are any additional parts needed to install. Is this model of controller what I need. My trailer has electric brakes only

asked by: Walt D

Expert Reply:

On your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 you will have four or five blunt-cut wires bundled underneath your dash, below the steering column. The wire colors should be red with a black tracer, white, light blue with a white tracer, dark blue. You may also have an orange wire for a center high mount stop lamp function, but this would not be used for a brake controller installation.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885, is an excellent choice for your vehicle and will work with electric brakes only. It will include a pigtail wiring harness that you can use to hardwire the unit to your vehicle. I am including a link to the instructions on the Tekonsha brake controller.

The brake controller connections would be made as follows.

Black: 12v power lead, connected to the red/black wire on your vehicle harness.
Red: Stoplight switch wire, connected to the light blue/white wire.
Blue: Electric brake wire, connected to the dark blue wire.
White: Ground, connected to the white wire.

Please note that if your vehicle has a factory 7-Way plug, there are also two wires under the hood that have to be connected to power the brake controller and trailer connector in the rear. These wires are both red/black with eyelets on them. If you take the cover off of your fuse box under your hood, you will see two threaded studs underneath the gray fuse box handle. Find the brake controller wire between the box and your driver side fender, and connect it to the left stud. The power wire for the 7-Way plug can be found under the brake boost assembly. Connect this wire to the right stud.

If you need a 7-way at the rear of your vehicle you will use the Pollak Twist-In, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles, part # PK11916.

You can view additional information on wiring your Silverado for towing with electric brakes at the links provided, as well as a video of a typical installation of a similar brake controller on a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.