Installing Aftermarket Brake Controller on 2012 GMC Sierra With Factory Integrated Brake Controller

Question

Question:

Your videos show installing a P3 in Gm trucks. If the factory integrated brake controller is installed, is anything else needed? I have read about running a blue wire to the bumper. Is this required only with factory integrated brake controller. I just bought a 2012 GMC 2500HD an will be towing an Airstream with electric/hydraulic brakes. I understand the GM controller wont work. Can I buy a P3 and solve this problem. Thanks allot.

asked by: Ron C

0

Expert Reply:

If the vehicle has the factory installed integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC), the tow package wiring that exists under the dash is used to install an aftermarket controller. The wiring is located under the dash, above where the driver's left knee would be. Look for a wiring harness with a white tag on it.

The red/black tow package wire connects to the black controller wire
The white tow package wire connects to the white brake controller wire
The light blue tow package wire connects to the red brake controller wire.
The orange tow package wire is NOT needed, cap off the end and bundle the wire up out of the way.

The dark blue tow package wire is NOT used. Instead, take the dark blue brake controller wire exiting the rear of the controller and extend it with a length of 12 gauge wire (part # 12-1-1) and run it through the firewall and under the vehicle to the rear bumper. Behind the 7-way trailer connector at the rear bumper, remove the wire loom from the wiring harness that feeds the 7-way connector behind the rear bumper. Locate the blue wire, and sever it about 6 inches behind the connector. Take the wire that you ran from the brake controller, and attach it to the blue wire that attaches to the trailer connector. The remaining portion of the factory installed blue wire should be capped off and taped up out of the way so it cannot short out on anything under the vehicle.

There will be two connections that need to be made under the hood. The power feed wire for the aftermarket brake controller is located between the under hood fuse box and the fender. Look for a wire with a large ring terminal on the end of it. The 12-volt accessory power feed to the trailer connector will also need to be connected (if it has not been already). This wire is located under the brake booster, and also has a ring terminal on it. These wires will connect to the power studs located on the forward side of the fuse box. The photo I have edited shows the locations of the wires and the power studs.

I have linked you to a Technical Bulletin we received from Tekonsha that runs through the whole process for you. To see the bulletin, click on the provided link. I have also linked you to an install video that will help you find the tow package wiring under the dash, as well the necessary wires under the hood that will need to be connected to the fuse box.

Other than the brake controller, the length of wire, the butt connectors and # DW05450 heat shrink tubing to protect your connections, you will not need anything else to bypass the factory brake controller and install the Tekonsha P3. The Prodigy P3 is compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Some different brand names of trailer breakaway kits do originate from a common source, and this is also true for items like jacks, landing gear and steps. There really is not a lot to distinguish one from another, since their component parts are…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes, you can replace the factory integrated brake controller (ITBC) on your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with an aftermarket brake controller. I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 because it is one of the best…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The brake controller I recommend for your 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195. It sounds like you're already aware but the Prodigy P3 is one of the best brake controllers on the market. It…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Sounds like your truck has a 7-way and a 4-way trailer connector which is a very common setup. The 7-way is the connector that will carry the brake output circuit. The 4-way (the flat one) does not carry the brake signal. The 4-way only carries the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

We do offer the plug-and-play brake controller harness #3016 to allow installation of a compatible Tekonsha or Draw-Tite brake controller in your 2014 Silverado. This harness is a plug-in installation; it connects between the brake controller and the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

You'd want to use the 20 amp circuit breaker like #PK54220PL unless your trailer has more than two brake axles. If that's the case you'd want to use the 30 amp breaker #38630.

view full answer...

Answer 7

When installing the Dexter Predator Brake Controller #58-8 in your 2008 GMC Sierra you will want to follow the Dexter instructions and install the specified fuse and self-resetting circuit breaker as indicated. The vehicle manufacturer installs fuses…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The red wire from your Dexter DX2 brake controller #58-8 needs to be wired to the cold side of the stop light switch, which on your 2013 Chevy Silverado corresponds to a light blue wire with a white stripe. This wire should ONLY be hot when the brake…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes, we can ship the Space Dock 2" Receiver Adapter for Torklift Palomino Landing Pad Bumper part #TLA7900 to you in Canada! However, the quoted shipping costs does not include all brokerage fees and duties. Taxes are not included and all prices…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The P3 brake controller, #90195, will go into a sort of sleep mode after it detects no movement for 15 minutes. While it is on it does not draw very much power. What you can do to make sure it goes to sleep is exit the truck after turning it off,…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The factory-installed integrated brake controller in your 2013 Chevrolet Silverado uses an OEM connector that is not compatible with aftermarket brake controllers from Tekonsha and others. But since there is wiring in place under the dash to allow…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Normally when you are having a trailer connection issue, it is because there is corrosion or debris in the connection. The 7-way trailer connector on your truck at the 5 o'clock pin position is the brake controller output. This pin is where the…

view full answer...