Trailer Brakes are Randomly Engaging
Question:
I have a 2007 Chevrolet 1500hd classic that I just put a new Reese Pilot trailer brake controller in. I did this to replace what I thought was a faulty voyager controller. They both have had the same problem. The brakes will not apply when the brake pedal is pushed, but will engage manually. And on four separate occasions the brakes have engaged without any input. I have towed this same trailer with a different truck with no issues so it leads me to believe that there is a fault in the red wire or in the brake switch of my truck. The brake lights are not affected by this, and I have checked the plug and wiring at the rear of the truck for damage corrosion etc. with finding nothing wrong. Any ideas where the problem is?
asked by: Paul
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds as if you might be using the wrong brake control wiring adapter.
Unplug the harness from the connector under the dash, and examine how it is pinned out, comparing it to the photos I have edited for you.
In the 2007 Classic Silverado model, the red wire should be pinned in the D location as shown in the photo. If the wire is in the wrong location, you can remove the blue clip from the connector, and use a small screwdriver to unclip and free the red wire and move it to the correct location.
I consulted with my contact at Tekonsha, and he agreed this would be the most likely thing causing the problem. If the pin-out checks out okay, get back with me and we will check some other possibilities.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Manual Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - AKHD-545-35-EZ-K
- Q&A: How to Bench Test Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies and Magnets
- Q&A: Trailer Brake Pin on 7-Way Trailer Connector is Hot All of the Time
- Q&A: Electric Brake Terminal on 7-Way Connector is Showing Constant 12 Volts Under All Conditions
- Q&A: If One Brake Magnet Goes Bad, Will Other Brakes Still Work?
- Q&A: What Size Fuse or Circuit Breaker Should be Used for Brake Controller on a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brakes - 23-434-435
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 8K
- Q&A: Procedure for Testing Electric Brake Magnets
- Q&A: No Trailer Connection on Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller 90195 on a 2000 Toyota Tundra
- Video: Performance Tool LCD Digital Circuit Tester Review
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Shop: LCD Digital Circuit Tester
- Shop: Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Search Results: circuit tester
- Search Results: 40376
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149