Installing a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1997 Chevy C/K Series Pickup Truck

Question:

I need help installing the voyager in my truck. I took it out of my older truck and dont recall what wires are what. I also dont know what colors are what for my truck.

asked by: Jayme B

Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you with installation of the Voyager Brake Controller, # 39510, on your 1997 Chevy C/K series truck. First, I will go over the wire colors and functions of the brake controller. The white wire is ground. The black wire is 12-volt power. The blue wire is output to the trailer brakes. The red wire is input from the stop light wire on the brake switch.

If your truck already has a 7-Way trailer connector installed installation will be a little easier. If it does not you will need to add one. Some models of the 1997 Chevy had the brake (blue) and hot lead (orange or red) wires already ran from under the hood to the end of the driver's side frame rail. But these wires can be hard to find.

If the truck already has a 7-Way I recommend getting a length of # 10-1-1 wire, long enough to be routed from the controller, under the vehicle, and to the 7-Way. When routing wire, be sure to avoid areas that may pinch or burn the wire. Attach one end to the blue wire on the brake controller. The other end will connect to the back of the 7-Way in the 6 o'clock position. You can remove the wire that is there and replace it with the wire you ran.

For the white wire and black wire, I recommend a length of # 10-2-1 wire, long enough to reach from the controller to the battery under the hood via the firewall. Attach the white to white and the black to black. Route the other end through the firewall and over to the battery. Separate the wires and attach the white ground to the negative battery terminal. Attach the black wire to the positive battery terminal via a 20-amp circuit breaker, # PK54520 for 2 to 4 brakes, or 30-amp breaker, # PK54530 for 6 to 8 brakes.

The last connection is the red wire. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to find the wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. Use a quick splice, # SWC501746-1, to make the connection to the red wire.

If the truck did not come with a trailer connector you will first need to install a 4-Way, # 118315. You would then need to install a 4 and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included links to an FAQ and video that show how to install an ETBC7.