Trailer brakes not working on a Tahoe

[Tozan]

I have a 2011 Tahoe without the tow package. But it does have towing mode and a 7 pin connection.

I can't seem to get the trailer brakes working with the 7 plug connection. All the other lights are working but the trailer brakes are not activating and when I test the vehicle plug it doesn't seem to have any voltage coming from where it should be.

 

[Doubeleive]

check your fuses

 

[Clinton Ellyson]

Quick question. Does it have a brake controller?

 

[Tozan]

check your fuses

That was the first thing I checked..

Quick question. Does it have a brake controller?

Not one I can see but, it is my understanding it should work in the trailer mode...

 

[Doubeleive]

did you check for brake light power behind the connector? (under the bumper) and do all 3 of your vehicles brake lights work?

 

[cycho]

When you say "towing mode" are you talking about the button on the end of the shift lever? If so, this is just for the transmission.
You need to add a brake controller. The blue wire is where the power for the trailer brakes comes from. While it probably is attached to your 7 pin connector, it's probably hanging loose at the other end (under the dash).

 

[Doubeleive]

When you say "towing mode" are you talking about the button on the end of the shift lever? If so, this is just for the transmission.
You need to add a brake controller. The blue wire is where the power for the trailer brakes comes from. While it probably is attached to your 7 pin connector, it's probably hanging loose at the other end (under the dash).

brake controller wouldn't need to be connected to get trailer brake lights and tow mode wouldn't need to be on either. until I hooked my trailer power connector up I think that was about the only thing that did work was brake light and blinkers.

 

[PG01]

For vehicles without k5l heavy duty trailer option and jl1 integrated trailer brake controller (even trucks suvs with these options have these wires) 2 red wires under the hood coiled up, 1 under the master cylinder and 1 in between fender and fuse box. 1 is for power to 7 way round connector at rear to charge a trailer battery and 1 is for power to an aftermarket brake controller. The wires for the after market brake controller are blunt cut and taped up under the knee bolster by the steering column. You also need a 30 or 40 amp jcase fuse. You wont get power for electric brakes unless you hook up a controller. Pressing the button only changes shift points, gives you 6 blinks instead of 3 on the lane change feature, keeps the alternator charging at a steady normal voltage and im pretty sure it cancels afm or v4 mode. It does not ‘engage’ electric trailer brake function. I posted a pic of how to connect wires a few months (years?) ago.

 

[PG01]

@Tozan

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...nd-brake-control-wire-2012-yukon.99690/page-2

 

[Clinton Ellyson]

That was the first thing I checked..


Not one I can see but, it is my understanding it should work in the trailer mode...

Not necessarily. Trailer Mode only affects the trans shifting. You'll probably need to go buy a brake controller. They're plug and play and install in about 5 minutes.