Integrated Factory Brake Controller on 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 Not Recognizing Trailer or Brakes

Question

Question:

2008 chevy duramax LTZ 2500 I have no trailer brakes at all this truck has itbc system. the dash readout shows nothing but a line of dashes on the dash screen. Shows no trailer connected prompt when hooked to trailer.Does not matter if hooked to trailer or not.

asked by: John B

0

Expert Reply:

If the integrated brake controller on your 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 is not recognizing when a trailer is connected, then that could indicate damage to the brake output wire or the connector on the truck itself. It could also be the trailer.

To determine where the problem is you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Have someone sit in the truck and fully apply the manual override on the brake controller while you test the 7-Way, pin in the 5 o'clock position, for power. If it shows power, then the problem is on the trailer. If it does not show power, then it could be a break in the wiring or an internal problem with the controller.

Inspect the wiring under the truck. The brake output wire is in the 7 o'clock position if looking at the back of it where the wires attach. Trace it as far forward as you can and fix any damaged or pinched areas of the wire. You can also try to trace the output wire from the back of the controller, but it may be difficult to access.

On the trailer connector make sure that it is clean and free of corrosion inside where the wires attach and outside on the pins. You can also do the same on the trailer side. On the trailer inspect the wiring to the brake magnets and fix any damaged or pinched wires. Make sure the magnets are grounded to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You could also bypass the factory controller and install an aftermarket one such as the P3 # 90195. To do this you will need to locate the tow package wiring bundle up under the dash to the left of the steering column. It is held together with a white tag that explains the functions of the wires.

You can wire in the brake controller to these wires except for the blue wire. You will need about 20 feet or so of wire # 10-1-1, sold by the foot, to attach to the blue brake controller wire at the back of the controller. Then that wire will get routed through the firewall, under the truck, and connected to the back of the 7-Way in the 7 o'clock position, replacing the wire that is already there. I have linked a help article that explains all of this for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

Hi Mark; thanks for the question and I have some good news for you as we have the exact 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter to replace the Turning Point pin box on your Jayco Eagle HT 30.5 CKTS. The correct part is the following: - Gen-Y Hitch Shock…

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Answer 6

There might be a solution but it all comes down to what gooseneck hitch you have installed in your truck. If you can let me know what brand hitch you have I can help find you exactly what type of slider hitch solution would work best. Hopefully you…

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Answer 7

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 8

The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package #BWRVK3775 you're looking at will work fine with your new Chevrolet Silverado. This hitch has 3 height adjustments so you'll be able to set the hitch height…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

Hey Cody, you are installing this B&W Turnoverball #BWGNRK1020 on a 2021 Chevy 2500 correct? If so, the M14 bolts are definitely the correct size. It is possible that the holes in the frame are corroded which is preventing the bolts from…

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Answer 11

You do have the option to utilize the air brakes on your 2023 Freightliner Cascadia to control electric trailer brakes using the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller, part #HA100400C. However, we mostly recommend just using an electric brake…

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Answer 12

Hey Jim, congrats on the new truck and fifth wheel - looks great. Our rule of thumb is that you want a minimum of 6" of clearance between the top of the bed rails and the bottom of the trailer loft. You should be just fine to use the bottom hole…

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