Tekonsha P2 Trailer Brake Controller Does Not Display Output w/Brake Pedal on 2013 Chevy Silverado

Question:

90885 installed on a 2013 Silverado, which has a trailer package. The numbers on the controller only shows when using the manual brake lever, numbers on the controller do not show when using truck brake, I think it did on my old truck. It seems to brake the trailer alright. I liked to see what number its set on with out using the manual brake. Not often but once in a while the top part of the C is missing, I dont see a error code for that, its like a backward L I have checked and rechecked, the wires are attached to the trucks wiring harnesses correctly, and they are soldered. Thanks in advance for your help,

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

If the trailer brakes are not working when the brake pedal is pressed but it is working when you apply the manual override that suggests a problem on the red wire. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if you need one to test the red wire. It should show power when you step on the brake pedal. If it does not or it also shows power when you turn on the head lights or turn signals, then it is not connected to the correct wire. It may be attached to the illumination circuit which is not used by the brake controller.

Look for another wire up under the dash that was part of the tow package wiring. Test it with the circuit tester to see if it comes on ONLY with the brake pedal. If it does, that is the wire you need to connect to.

If everything is connected properly and there is no power on the red wire it could mean that there is a blown stop light or CHMSL fuse that you will need to replace. Use the truck owners manual to find the locations of those fuses to check them.

You can also try fully applying the manual override and let it snap back into place several times to clean the contacts on the inside. If the issue continues to happen then there is something wrong inside the brake controller and it will need to be replaced.

And finally, you can unplug the brake controller for about 15 minutes so it will reset if the issue is just the display. I have included a link to our rake controller troubleshooting FAQ for you.

expert reply by: Michael H