Aftermarket Brake Controller Install in GM Truck or SUV Equipped With Factory Brake Controller

Question:

Does anyone there have any experience with installing a new stand alone brake controller in to a GM that has the factory integrated brake controller? Mine is bad and its way to expensive and time consuming to diagnose and repair, so I am hoping that I can just disconnect the factory unit and plug in a standalone. Thoughts?

asked by: Miles

Helpful Expert Reply:

What you describe is pretty much the procedure. You'll first choose the brake controller you're wanting to use. One of my favorites is the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195 because of how easy it is to use. The P3 features a full LCD display that actually tells you in plain English (or French or Spanish if you prefer) what's going on with your trailer braking system. You won't need to memorize error codes or learn Morse code to determine that that series of flashes means. You'll also need the # 3016 brake controller wiring harness.

To install the controller, plug the harness into the socket shown in the provided photo. The socket is located in the junction box on the firewall behind the e-brake pedal. You'll then sever the blue wire on the harness about 6 inches after it exits the rear of the controller. To that cut wire, connect a length of # 10-1-1 wire, long enough to pass through the firewall, into the engine compartment and under the vehicle back to the trailer connector. Find the blue wire exiting the rear of the 7-way trailer connector, and sever it about 6 inches from the trailer connector. Connect the wire you ran from the front to this wire.

By doing this, you've abandoned the factory brake controller, and you won't see any warnings on the dash.

I've linked you to an article that will walk you through the process mentioned above.