Installing a Brake Controller in a 2008 Chevy Silverado with Factory Integrated Controller

Question:

We have had an 08 Silverado for 5 yrs, the ITBC controller JL1 option? has been nothing but problems keeping it up and running on my 87 model trailers. A Tekonsha Voyager on our Trailblazer works fine on both trailers. I still have an extra Tekonsha Voyager. How much trouble is it to put on the Silverado? We live in Warrenton, MO. Is there anyone in this area that is skilled at putting the Tekonsha Voyager on the Silverado and disabling the ITBC?

asked by: John F

Expert Reply:

First, hop on I-70 east to Wentzville because that is where we are! And we have skills to spare when it comes to installing brake controllers.

Installing the Voyager brake controller # 39510 will be easy on your 2008 Chevy Silverado, even with the factory integrated controller. First, locate the tow package wire bundle under the dash. It is located above your left shin if seated in the driver's seat. The wire bundle will have a white tag on it with the wire colors and functions.

Make the following connections:

Chevy Red/Black to Controller Black for Battery Power
Chevy White to Controller White for Ground
Chevy Light Blue/White to Controller Red for Brake Light Signal
Chevy Dark Blue will not be used but it is for Brake Control Output to Trailer

Next, using enough 12-gauge wire # 12-1-1 to reach the rear of the truck, connect one end to the Blue wire on the aftermarket brake control. Run the other end of the Blue wire in conduit or loom to the 7-way trailer connector. At the 7-way trailer connector you will have to remove some tape and pull back the plastic loom to access the factory-installed Blue wire. Cut the factory Blue wire approximately 4 to 6 inches from the trailer connector.

Connect remaining end of Blue wire from aftermarket brake control to the Blue wire going to the trailer connector. After connection is made, heat shrink, reinstall plastic loom and re-tape loom.

To complete the installation, two wires under the hood have to be connected. One is the power supply wire to the aftermarket brake control. The other is the battery charge line to the 7-way connector. These wires are both Red/Black with eyelets connected to them. They are coiled up under the hood and must be connected to the under-hood fuse box. The brake control power wire is located between the fuse box and the left (driver's side) fender. The battery charge wire is located under the master cylinder/brake booster assembly.

The battery charge wire will go on the smaller Black stud, and an M6X1.0 metric nut # 185916 is required to attach the wire to the stud. Larger posts require an M8 nut # 185917. The brake control wire will go on the larger Silver stud along with the existing Red wire. The existing Red wire is the power wire for the factory brake control and does not need to be removed.

Important: Raising the Gray handle above the studs more than 3/8 of an inch will result in the fuse box becoming disconnected from the electrical connector.

If disconnection occurs, you may have to consult your local GM dealership for repairs.

Note: According to GM Corporate Document Number 07-08-45-001, this installation will not result in any trailer brake display message showing on the driver information center. I have included a link to a help article with all of this same information for you.