Troubleshooting Non-Functioning 12V Trailer Power Feed on 2016 Silverado 2500

Question

Question:

When my trailer is plugged into my 2007 2500 I have interior aux lights in my horse trailer. When it is plugged into my 2016 2500 they do not come on never have yet with this new to me truck. Is it a fuse? Connection? Thank you for your help!

asked by: Jennifer

0

Expert Reply:

The circuit on a 7-way that brings 12V power to the trailer, for topping-off the trailer battery's charge or for operating interior trailer lights, is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position as you look at the socket on the back of the truck. (Please refer to the linked photo).

You can use a simple tester like # PTW2993 to see if the 12V auxiliary power feed is active. If not you may only need to install a missing fuse. According to my research the trailer battery fuse is in position 2 in the engine compartment power distribution box. This fuse position is on the left side of the box midway down.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Some trucks do need an under-the-hood connection of wiring to activate the 12V trailer power feed and the trailer brake controller power input feed. This process is outlined and illustrated in the linked article, in the section titled…

view full answer...

Answer 2

It sounds as if the final power connection needs to be made under the hood. If you take a look at the Brake Controller Installation FAQ article I have linked you to, and scroll to the bottom of the page, you can see the procedure for finalizing the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

I am not entirely sure what process you took so I'll give you some other things to try, or maybe a different way to test the Prodigy P3 #90195. First, sever the blue wire a couple inches from the back of your controller. Then use a circuit…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Since you are not getting the 12V power when your truck is running, you most likely don't have a fuse issue as you stated their isn't a specified fuse or relay in the owners manual. The issue is that your truck is computerized even at…

view full answer...

Answer 5

On GM vehicles of that vintage, the 12-V pin should be hot regardless of whether the ignition is on or not. If it isn't showing voltage even with the ignition on, you're almost certainly on the right track thinking it's a blown or…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Some models of the 2016 Chevrolet Express Van have the brake controller connection wiring taped and tucked under the driver side floor mat up towards the firewall, which sounds like what you have especially since they are labeled as such. The brake…

view full answer...

Answer 7

You can use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to check the wiring on your 2003 Silverado. Have someone run through the functions while you test each wire. Then label the wires so you can attach them to the correct pins on the trailer connector.…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Thank you for all of the information and pictures! It looks like you should at least have some wiring already run on your 2019 Chevy Express Van 3500 so I'm just as confused as to why you don't have a round plug with a cap inside the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

If your 2008 Chevy Express Van were already set up for trailer lights and a brake controller, it would have a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle or a wiring harness located inside the driver side frame rail near the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you sever the blue wire leaving the P3 controller part #90195 leaving enough room to reconnect it and test the end of the wire leaving the controller with a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 you should see voltage when you slide the manual…

view full answer...

Answer 11

A missing or damaged fuse is the most likely cause for the inactive 12V pin on your Sierra's factory 7-Way connector. I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and found that there should be a 12V trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

We don't have a 7-way to plug directly into the van but I do have an option for you. If your 2016 Chevrolet Express 3500 van had a factory 7-way and it needs to be replaced you can wire in a new one with a harness like #PK11998 and then connect…

view full answer...