Weak Trailer Brakes Using Factory Integrated Brake Controller on 2010 Chevy Silverado

Question:

Is there any way to increase the gain over 10 on the integrated brake control on a chevy 2009 0r 10. If not can you recommend an aftermarket controller. Is there a plug under the dash somewhere?

asked by: Evan O

Helpful Expert Reply:

Ten is usually the maximum setting, depending on the controller, and should equate to a full 12 volts of power going back to the trailer brakes. It sounds like you might have some weak braking with the factory brake controller. But it might not be the controller at all.

Before going for a new controller I recommend doing some test to determine if there is some other issue causing the weak braking. Nine times out of ten weak braking indicates that the trailer brakes need to be adjusted. To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies take a look at the video I linked. Fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video.

If the brakes are properly adjusted and you are still having issues then we can do some electrical testing. First, let's make sure the full 12 volts is making its way all the way back to the 7-Way connector. You will need to have the brake controller set to the maximum output. You will also need a helper, and a multimeter such as # PT89ZR.

Have the helper fully apply the manual override while you test the 7-Way in the 5 o'clock pin. You should see 12 volts. If you are not seeing 12 volts then there is a wiring issue somewhere between the trailer connector and the brake controller. Since it is a factory controller you would need to have a GM dealer take a look at it.

If everything checks out on the vehicle side and the trailer brakes are properly adjusted the next step is to make sure the truck and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Make sure the brake magnet ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. And make sure the power wires for the magnets are not pinched or frayed.

You can also take a look at the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets they will need to be replaced. You can further test the magnets by following the help article I have linked.

expert reply by: Michael H