Troubleshooting Tekonsha Brake Control not Working when Transferred to a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

Took my brake control off 2010 silverado and put on new 2011 silverado. Wired the same but now only hand lever works pushing brake pedal does nothing. Have checked wiring with light everything seems to be getting juice. Also adjusted both left and right adj. on controller still no pedal action. Thanks.

asked by: Tom K

Expert Reply:

Since you have power to the brake controller and to the trailer connector all of the under hood connections are made correctly. I would start by using a multimeter, # PT89ZR, and checking the red wire going into the brake controller. You should have at least 11 volts for the brake controller to function properly. If there is no power on that wire then either the wire connection is wrong, the fuse may be blown, or the brake pedal switch may be inoperative. The red wire from the brake controller should be attached to a light blue wire with white stripe on your 2011 Chevy Silverado.

If you have at least 11 volts input on the red wire, check the output on the blue wire. You should have voltage out on the blue wire when the brake pedal is pressed, although if it is a proportional brake controller the output will not be full power when not moving. Make sure you use the installation instructions for your brake controller to reset the brake controller like you are starting out new. If you do not have output on the blue wire then the brake controller has an internal problem and will need to be replaced.

If the blue wire has output then you will need to check the vehicle side and trailer connector and the trailer wiring itself for possible causes.

expert reply by: Robert G