Trailer Brakes Lock Up when Connected to a 2011 Chevy 3500HD with Integrated Brake Controller
Question:
Our 2011 Chevy 3500HD pickup truck has a trailer brake built into it. When it is hooked up to a few trailers we have, the brakes lock up. How do you fix this problem?
asked by: John S
Expert Reply:
If the trailers that lock up have an electric over hydraulic braking system they may not be compatible with the integrated brake controller on the 2011 Chevy 3500HD. There are 2 ways to fix this problem. One is to change the electric over hydraulic actuator on the affected trailers and use a special adapter on each one that will allow the trucks brake controller to function with an electric over hydraulic system.
The other much easier solution is to install an aftermarket brake controller in the truck. I recommend using the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is electric over hydraulic compatible and it is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and use.
In order to install an after market controller in a 2011 Silverado with a factory controller there are some specific installation instructions you will need to follow. We have them outlined in an FAQ article that I have linked for you.
If the affected trailers are not electric over hydraulic trailers and they just have electric brakes, there could be a a couple of issues that you can check. First, you can check to make sure that the 7-Way on the truck is pinned out the same on the trailers. If the truck 12 volt circuit is connected to the trailer connectors brake circuit, it will just immediately apply full power to the brakes. The 12 volt circuit is in the 1 oclock position if looking at the face of the 7-Way and the brake circuit is in the 5 oclock position.
Another possible cause is a short on the trailer. A short could be caused by corrosion build up in and/or behind the trailer connector. Cleaning out the corrosion will help. You can also make sure that the trailer side grounds are connected to clean metal surfaces.
The brake magnet grounds should also be connected to clean metal surfaces and the power wires to them will need to be inspected for nicks or exposed wiring that may be touching a metal surface and drawing power.
You can also check the magnets for excessive wear. If you can see the windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the FAQ I have linked for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
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on Trailer Brake Controller
Scott G.
2/9/2013
I just bought a new 2011 3500HD flatbed. I have a p3 90195 controller from my 09 1500 and as I understand it this will work on the 2011 and work on both elec and elec over hydraulics. How do I go about wiring it into the unit with the built in brake controller? I do love my Tekonsha.