Parts Needed to Install an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 1999 Chevy Tahoe  

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Installing a brake controller on a 1999 Chevy Tahoe requires a hardwire installation because there are no brake controller wiring harnesses available for your vehicle. Instead, you will first need to install a 4-Way trailer connector, # C55319, if the vehicle does not already have one.

You will then need to install 4 and 7 Way installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included a link to an FAQ article and a video that show how to install an ETBC7 kit and brake controller.

If your Tahoe already has a factory installed 7-Way, you will still need to do some hardwiring. You can use brake controller installation kit # 5506. With the included wire, you will connect the white wire in the install kit to the blue wire on the brake controller, route it through the firewall, and back to the 7-Way avoiding areas that may pinch or burn the wire.

At the 7-Way, connect the wire to the back of the controller in the 7 oclock position. If any other wire is there, remove it and tape it up. You should have enough wire from the duplex cable included in the kit to make the remaining connections.

Attach a length of wire to the white wire of the brake controller, and a separate length of wire to the black wire of the brake controller. The wire will need to be long enough to be routed through the firewall and reach the battery. The white wire will connect to the negative battery terminal. The black wire will go first to the 30-amp circuit breaker and then to the positive battery terminal.

The last connection is the red wire on the brake controller. Using circuit tester # PTW2993, find the wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal that shows a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. Attach the red wire to this wire.

expert reply by: Michael H

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