Parts Needed to Install a Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller Part # 90885 in a 2008 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I read something about mounting a 20 or 30 amp inline circuit breaker. I dont see anything about that in the mounting instructions for the 2008 Chevy Silverado. Im thinking of mounting the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller. Im trying to figure out what all I need to order in one order, and how to install everything. Thank You

asked by: Robert W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Installation of a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885, requires 2 or 3 components: the brake controller itself, a controller wiring adapter, and possibly a 7-way connector for your rear bumper (unless the vehicle already has one). The included article explains the components and steps required and the video link shows the specific installation steps for a Prodigy P2 in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. The P2 is Designed for use with electric or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes.

If you need to install a 7-way connector, you can use part # PK11916. I have included a video showing installation in a 2008 Silverado.

Next you will need to install the wiring harness for the P2. You can use part # 7894 from Tekonsha. This part includes a flat 4-pin connector that plugs into the back of the P2 and 4 wire leads that you will splice to the factory wiring under your dash. Note that all the wire colors do not match up color for color. Here is how you will connect the wires from the Prodigy harness to the wires under your dash.

Prodigy WHITE wire connects to WHITE wire
Prodigy RED wire connects to LIGHT BLUE wire
Prodigy BLACK wire connects to RED wire
Prodigy DARK BLUE wire connects to DARK BLUE

Note that the orange wire under the dash does not connect to any of the wires from the P2.

When mounting the brake controller unit, it is critical that it be aligned in the direction of forward travel and not point to either side. This is important because the controller uses an internal motion sensor to detect vehicle braking, and this sensor relies on proper alignment for generating the braking signal for the trailer.

The last step is to make connections for brake controller and trailer power at the vehicle power distribution box under the hood on the driver side. Refer to the included article. You will need to locate the wires and connect them to the appropriate studs on the front side of the power distribution box. Fuses should typically be in place already, but if not you will need a 30-amp fuse for the controller and a 40-amp fuse for the trailer power circuit.