Aftermarket Brake Controller Installation on 2008 Chevy Silverado with Factory Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Because the earlier OEM brake controllers didn't work very well, lots of folks replaced them with aftermarket models. After the 2006 (2007 for the Silverado/Sierra Classic), GM did away with the connector under the dash and just used bare wires for the brake controller connection. The wires are located under the dash between the emergency brake and the brake pedal, and the harness will have a white tag wrapped around it. Take a look at the photo I provided.

Pull out the bundle of wires. The red/black striped wire in the harness connects to the black brake controller wire, the white wire in the harness connects to the while brake controller wire, the light blue wire in the harness connects to the red controller wire. For the blue brake controller wire that carries the output from the controller to the trailer connector, you'll need to run your own wire to the rear of the truck to bypass the factory wire that's already existing. Get a length of # 10-1-1 wire, and connect one end to the blue brake controller wire. Route that wire through the firewall and under the vehicle to the trailer connector at the rear. Be sure to avoid anything moving like steering and suspension components and anything hot like exhaust manifold/piping and catalytic converter. Locate the blue wire exiting the rear of the trailer connector at the rear bumper, and cut it then attach the wire you ran from the brake controller.

This process is described in the linked article, which also discusses some connections that might need to be made at the fuse box under the hood.

If you don't already have a brake controller, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

click to enlarge