Pilot Brake Controller Applies Trailer Brakes Randomly when Towing with 2007 GMC Yukon XL

Question:

installed in my 2007 yukon xl. went for test drive and brakes come on by themselves. if you hold slide to the left just a little bit brakes release. you can drive only a short distance before numbers on display start going and brings you to complete stop.push manual slide just a little and they release and you roll ahead, let go of the slide brakes apply on their own. had to cut plug off to wire as no adapter available.

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

There could be some dirt or dust inside the controller that is causing the problem. The easiest way to fix that is to fully apply the manual override and let it snap back into place. Do this several times to clean the contacts inside.

If you still are having issues, you can test the brake controller to determine if it is faulty. Sever the blue wire several inches from the back of the controller. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the end of the blue wire coming out of the controller. It should only show power when you apply the manual override. If it has power at any other time, then there is something wrong with the controller and it will need to be replaced.

You can also check to make sure the brake controller red wire is attached to the correct tow package wire on your 2007 GMC Yukon XL. The red wire needs to be attached to the light blue/white wire in the vehicle tow package wire bundle. If it is connected to the orange wire then that is not the correct wire.

expert reply by: Michael H