Brake Controller Recommendation for 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with Factory Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The brake controller that I would recommend for your 2011 Chevy 2500 HD is the Tekonsha Brake Controller P2, part # 90885.

When you install this controller into your truck you will have wire the controller to the cut wires under the left side of the instrument panel to the left of the steering column..

GM wire to -- Brake control wire -- Function

Red/Black -- Black -- Battery power
White -- White -- Ground
Light Blue/White -- Red Brake -- light signal
Dark Blue -- Not Used -- Brake output to trailer
Orange -- N/A -- Center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL)

Using enough 12 gauge Blue wire to reach the rear of the truck, connect one end to the Blue wire on the aftermarket brake control. Run the opposite end of the Blue wire in conduit or loom to the 7 way trailer connector.

Route the wire being careful to avoid any hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank or any other points that might pinch or break the wire

At the 7 way connector you will have to remove some tape and pull back the plastic loom to expose the factory installed Blue wire. Cut the factory Blue wire approximately 4 inch -6 inch from
the trailer connector.

Connect the remaining end of the Blue wire from the aftermarket brake control to the Blue wire going to the trailer connector. After connection is made, reinstall plastic loom and re-tape loom. The remaining exposed end of the factory Blue wire must be insulated and placed back in loom to prevent a short to ground.

To complete the installation, there are two wires under the hood that have to be connected to make the tow package functional, one is the power wire to the brake control and the other is the battery charge line to the 7 way connector. These wires are both Red/Black with eyelets on them. They are coiled up under the hood and will need to be connected to the under hood fuse box. One of the wires is located between the under hood fuse box and the left (driver’s) side fender. The other is located under the master cylinder/brake
booster assembly.

The battery charge wire and the power wire to the brake control have different size eyelets on them and will connect to the threaded studs under the Gray handle at the front of the fuse box. The two studs are also different sizes. You will need a Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut-M6, part # 185916, and a Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M8, part # 185917, to secure the wires to the studs.

According to GM Corporate Document #07-08-45-001, this will not result in any trailer Brake display message to show on the driver information center.

I have attached a link to the right that details how to install a brake controller on 07-11 GM trucks that have factory brake controllers.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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