Troubleshooting A Brake Controller In A 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 That Keeps Loosing Connection

Question:

I have a 2016 Silverado 2500 and the trailer break sensor is indicating to check the trailer wiring connection. It reconnects for a while but the problem reoccurs again. All other lights on the trailer are fine and not affected. I do not think it is the trailer since the same thing happens with other trailers. I have replaced the 7 pin connector with an new one and it had no affect on the problem. Is this an indication that the trailer break controller or the manual override device may be defective?

asked by: Craig L

Expert Reply:

This is becoming a pretty common issue with factory brake controllers for newer Chevy/GM trucks but can also happen with an aftermarket brake controller. I would start by testing the brake output wire with a multimeter # PT89ZR and pressing to manual override fully to see if it's actually sending out full power. If not then we know the brake controller is defective. From there you'll need to trace the wiring from the brake controller to the 7-way to see if there's a short anywhere or loose ground. You can also check the fuse powering the brake controller to see if it's damaged or loose.

I'd say you could also check the brake magnets on the trailer as well to see if they're bad but you said it does this with other trailers so the truck is most likely the issue and not the trailer. With it coming on and off so frequently and the lights all still working the brake controller is most likely the cause, but you could luck out and only have a small wire issue and won't need to buy a new brake controller.

expert reply by: Kevin C