Wiring a Trailer Brake Controller in a 2010 Chevy Express Van

Question:

need to know what wires go from brake controller to wires under dash. Already pre-wired. then do i need to have 20 amp circuit breaker for 4 brake trailer? If so how do I wire that?

asked by: Micah M

Expert Reply:

If your 2010 Chevy Express has tow package wiring already run under the dash, the wires should be labeled with a white tag that holds them together that tells you what each wire does. If, not, you will need to use a circuit tester, # PTW2993, to test the wires for function.

From what we have found on GM vehicles in the past, 2008 and up, the tow package red wire connects to the brake controller black wire for 12-volt power. The dark blue tow package wire connects to the controller blue wire for output to the trailer brakes. The tow package light blue goes to controller red for input from the stop light. And the white tow package wire connects to the white controller wire for ground.

From what we have found, even if the van has a 7-Way, only the blue wire is run to the front of the vehicle. It is located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal. It connects to the blue controller wire. If you find you have to hardwire the remaining wires, you will need wire, # 10-1-1 (sold in 1 foot increments, a circuit breaker, some ring terminals, and some butt connectors and quick splice connectors.

A 20 amp circuit breaker, # PK54520, will work for a 4 brake trailer. You can also use the Wiring Kit, # 5506, which comes with wire, ring terminals, connectors and a circuit breaker. After the blue wire is connected attach wire from the black and white wires on the brake controller, route them through the firewall of the vehicle, and into the engine compartment near the battery.

The White brake controller wire will attach to the negative battery terminal. The black wire will go first to the circuit breaker and then from the circuit breaker to the positive battery terminal. The red wire will connect to the wire on the brake switch that shows a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that has a signal at any other time, like when the headlights are on, it is not the correct wire. Use the circuit tester to find the right wire.

At the back of the van, if it has a round plug with a cap inside the driver side frame rail instead of a bundle of wires in the jack storage compartment, use # 30955, if a 7-Way is needed. I have included a couple of links that should help you.