Wiring a Trailer Brake Controller With or Without Factory 7-Way on a 2000 Chevy Tahoe
Question:
In my vehicle manual for my 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, late model, it says some are equipped with a brake controller wiring harness under the dash. How can I tell if my tahoe does and if it does where would it be, Ive looked under the dash and everything seems to go somewhere but I would like to be sure. Also, I have 2 used brake controllers and niether work when connected correctly. If I connect the stop light wire on the tahoe to both the stop light and the power wires on the controller it works but obviously the manual override to apply only the trailer brakes does not work. Is this because Im trying them without a trailer connected?
asked by: Matthew M
Expert Reply:
Your 2000 Chevy Tahoe will have a port for brake controller wiring adapter, # 3025-S. You will want to look in the electrical junction box on the drivers side, left of the brake pedal under the dash. I have included an FAQ on installing a brake controller on Chevy and GM pickups that will also apply to your Tahoe. The first two pictures show the box you are looking for and where it and the connection point for the adapter is located. Some models have a factory 7-Way pre-wired through the vehicle and some have all the wires, they just are not all completely wired.
If you have factory 7-Way pre-wired and ready to go, you will first use the # 3025-S harness, connect it to your brake controller, and plug the other end into the port mentioned above. At this point, this should be all you need to do.
If you do not have factory 7-Way or 4-Way installed, you will need a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7, and Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118319. If you have a 4-Way, you will not need # C55319.
You will first use the # 3025-S harness, connect it to your brake controller, and plug the other end into the port mentioned above. Under the hood, near the accessory fuse block, look for blue and red wires. These are normally located next to the fuse block on the cab side. The blue wire has a plug on it, the red wire has a ring terminal on it. The red wire connects to the closest positive post and a green 30 amp fuse is needed in the place closest to the positive post. Next, clip off the connector on the blue wire. This wire will connect to the blue wire from the 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7.
Next, mount the ETBC7 at the rear of the vehicle. You will then plug in the 4-pole wiring ( # C55319 if needed) to that. Then, ground the 7-Way using the white wire to the vehicle frame. Next, connect the black wire from the duplex cable (included with ETBC7 kit) to the black wire on the 7-Way. Do the same for the white wire of the duplex cable to the blue wire of the 7-Way. You then route the duplex cable to the front of the vehicle, avoiding hot areas or those they may pinch the wire, up through the engine compartment.
Under the hood, separate the white brake wire from the black wire. The black wire gets connected to the positive terminal of the battery via a 40-amp circuit breaker. The white wire attaches to the blue wire from next to the accessory fuse block. Close everything up and tie off any loose wires and your installation should be complete.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Pigtail - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Wired to Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
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