Trailer Lights Do Not Work with 2014 Chevy Silverado But Do Work with 2008 Chevy Silverado

Question

Question:

New 2014 Chevy Silverado with integrated brake system...... Is the wiring sequence any different than a 2008 Silverdo? Trailer brakes that works with my 2008 and my sons 2008 will not work properly with the new 2014. I get a trailer wiring error in the DIC on the 14. Brakes work, but not lights. Works fine on the 2008......????

asked by: Ricky

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Expert Reply:

The trailer connector on the 2014 Chevy Silverado will be the same as previous generations because it is an industry standard. Factory integrated trailer brake controllers sometimes will not work with electric over hydraulic braking systems so if that is what is on the trailer then that could be the problem.

The solution would be to install an aftermarket brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes like the P2, # 90885, using wiring harness # 3016. But since you mentioned that the brakes work but not the lights, this is probably not the issue.

The lights not working on the trailer with the 2014 could be some sort of compatibility issue if the trailer has LED lights though I do not have any cases of this being an issue. On some vehicles (German vehicles mostly but can also be on the new Silverados/Sierras) trailers with LED lights will not work without a special adapter, # C35FR, or # C57003. These adapters have load resistors in them that create more power draw so the lights will work properly.

It is also possible that even though the 2014 has a tow package that not everything is set up and connected under the hood though this does not seem likely. Given that it is a brand new truck, I would take it and the trailer to the dealer and tell them the tow package wiring is not working with the new truck even though it does work with the 2 other 2008 trucks.

To test the tow package wiring at home use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 if you need one. Have someone sit in the truck and run through the light functions while you test the connector. If it does work at the connector then there is some compatibility issue between the truck and trailer.

I have included a link that shows the standard pin out functions for vehicle and trailer side connectors. If your new truck and the trailer do not match up you will want to change one or the other to match.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The factory plug is located above the spare tire on your 2006 Chevy Silverado. I have included a picture of what it looks like and where it is located. You will probably have to lower the spare for easy access to the plug. The tow package wires…

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Answer 2

Sounds like you have a ground issue on your trailer. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light but can show up…

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Answer 3

Most often the root cause for issues with trailer lighting is a weak ground. Strange as it may sound, a loose or rusty/corroded ground can cause a vehicle's trailer wiring harness to badly misbehave and shut down some functions. It may also…

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Answer 4

If all you need is the 7-way connector you'd just need the part #PK11893. If you need the harness that plugs in behind the 7-way you'd have to check with a Mercedes dealer for that.

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Answer 5

You have it right so far, the 4-way connector is just as you have stated. Remember that Yellow has a L in it so that is the left side brake/turn signal and green has a R in it so that is the right side brake/turn signal. The colors for wiring a 7-way…

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Answer 6

I have attached a photo for you below which shows how both a vehicle side and trailer side trailer connector is typically wired. I say typically because this is not always exact and so long as the trailer and vehicle side both match it will not…

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Answer 7

The only wires that could be hot all the time on a trailer connector is the 12-volt hot lead, which is usually a black wire, and, if applicable, the auxiliary power wire, which is normally yellow or purple. The blue wire is usually for electric…

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Answer 8

You've done a great job troubleshooting so far. Since you've ruled out the trailer and have replaced the brake controller, the issue has to be somewhere in the truck itself. You will need to sever the blue wire going into the brake controller…

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Answer 9

In order for a break away system to power electric trailer brakes, it will need a 12 volt power source (a battery mounted on the trailer). The battery has to provide a full 15 minutes of braking power to comply with DOT regulations. On the trailer…

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Answer 10

On a trailer the brake lights and turn signals operate on the same wire/bulb. So, it is odd when the turn signals work, but the brake lights don't. There are 3 possible causes for this that are more likely than any of the other possible causes.…

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Answer 11

You have a short circuit somewhere that is causing the fuse to blow. To determine where the short is start by disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle. Replace the fuse and then use a circuit tester such as #PTW2992 to test the vehicle side…

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Answer 12

For your 2012 Chevy Silverado to tow a utility trailer with 5-way connector, I recommend the 7-Way to 5-Way/4-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs #C35FR. This will give your the connection to use a 5-way…

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