How To Bypass Factory Brake Controller on 2007 and Newer Chevy Silverados  

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When installing an aftermarket brake control into a truck that is equipped with a factory Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC), you will have to make the following connections. The 2007 (new body style)-current models have four or five blunt-cut wires under the left side of the instrument panel. These wires are located above your left shin as you are seated in the driver's seat.

The wires can be identified by a white label and the color of the wires. The wire colors are (1) Red/Black wire, (1) White wire, (1) Light Blue/White wire and (1) Dark Blue wire, and possibly (1) Orange wire.

Connect the brake control to these wires as follows:

Truck Red/Black to Brake Controller Black for 12 Volt Power
Truck White to Controller White for the Ground
Truck Light Blue/White to Controller Red for the Brake Light Signal

Using enough 12-gauge wire to reach the rear of the truck, such as # 12-1-1 (sold by the foot), connect one end to the wire on the aftermarket brake controller's blue wire. Run the other end of the wire in conduit or loom to the 7-way trailer connector. At the 7-way trailer connector you will have to remove some tape and pull back the plastic loom to access the factory-installed brake output wire which should be blue. Cut the factory Blue wire approximately 4 to 6 inches from the trailer connector.

Connect remaining end of Blue wire from aftermarket brake control to the Blue wire going to the trailer connector. After connection is made, heat shrink, reinstall plastic loom and re-tape loom.

To complete the installation, two wires under the hood have to be connected. One is the power supply wire to the aftermarket brake control. The other is the battery charge line to the 7-way connector. These wires are both Red/Black with eyelets connected to them. They are coiled up under the hood and must be connected to the under-hood fuse box. The brake control power wire is located between the fuse box and the left (driver's side) fender. The battery charge wire is located under the master cylinder/brake booster assembly.

The battery charge wire will go on the smaller Black stud, and an M6X1.0 metric nut, # 185916, is required to attach the wire to the stud. Larger posts require an M8 nut # 185917. The brake control wire will go on the larger Silver stud along with the existing Red wire. The existing Red wire is the power wire for the factory brake control and does not need to be removed.

Important: Raising the Gray handle above the studs more than 3/8 of an inch will result in the fuse box becoming disconnected from the electrical connector. If disconnection occurs, you may have to consult your local GM dealership for repairs.

According to GM Corporate Document Number 07-08-45-001, this method will not result in any trailer brake display message showing on the driver information center.

expert reply by: Michael H

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