Installing Brake Controller On 2004 GMC Van

Question:

Where do I intall the Hayes Energize 3 on my 2004 GMC G30 Van Not sure where this plugs in at

asked by: Powers

Expert Reply:

The 2004 GMC van will not have the connector under the dash like those found in GM trucks.

If the van has the OE 7-way connector at the rear bumper, the blue brake output wire will be ran from the 7-way to the area near the emergency brake pedal and would connect to the blue wire on the brake controller. We do not offer a plug for the controller, so you would need to remove it. The remaining wires would need to be hardwired. The white wire would run to the negative battery terminal, the black wire would connect to the positive battery terminal via a 30-amp circuit breaker and the red wire would tap into one of the wires coming off of the brake stoplight switch located at the top of the brake pedal. There can be numerous wires exiting the switch, you will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on each wire to find the one that only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.

If the van does not have the factory installed 7-way, you would need the Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7. The adapter that is included with the kit requires a functional 4-pole trailer connector like part # 118392. The kit includes connectors, wire and even the zip ties, but a longer vehicle like a cargo van would most likely require a bit of extra wire like part # 10-2-1.

If you have not already purchased a brake controller, I believe you would be happier with a proportional controller such as the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. the Primus costs about the same as the Energize brake controller you mentioned, but would offer safer, more predictable braking. The Primus also enjoys a much higher rating from our customers.

For install details and videos as well as some FAQ articles that you might find helpful, click on the provided links.