Troubleshooting ITBC Brake Controller in a 2008 Chevy Silverado that Doesnt Work

Question:

Im haveing troube with my ITBC brake to the trailer . but it is not working at the display on the dash

asked by: Garry B

Expert Reply:

As far as your ITBC being faulty, I can tell you that on the earlier ITBC equipped GM trucks, problems with the controller were pretty common. Common enough that Tekonsha put out a Technical Bulletin that explains how to bypass the ITBC and install an aftermarket brake controller.

I found posts on several different forums indicating that the ITBCs are indeed very sensitive to any excess resistance. I found a few folks who recommend starting your truck, THEN plugging the trailer in. Apparently in some cases, this will help.

You might be better off simply installing an aftermarket controller. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 or P3, part # 90195 work very well and are two of our best sellers. I personally prefer the P3, because its diagnostic program will actually spell out any potential problems, rather than putting out an error code that you have to look up, like the P2 does.

I have linked you to the Technical Bulletin showing how to disable the ITBC, in case you decide to replace it with an aftermarket brake controller.

expert reply by: Jameson C