2016 yukon xl Trailer Brake

[BradM]

I have a 2016 yukon xl that originally didn't have factory trailer brakes but I wanted to install for the factory look. I bought the dash panel along with the trailer brake switch. Installed the switch but I'm not getting power to the back. The fuse for trailer brake is there and I'm getting power, just not to the back where you plug the trailer lights etc. what do i need to do next?

 

[Geotrash]

I have a 2016 yukon xl that originally didn't have factory trailer brakes but I wanted to install for the factory look. I bought the dash panel along with the trailer brake switch. Installed the switch but I'm not getting power to the back. The fuse for trailer brake is there and I'm getting power, just not to the back where you plug the trailer lights etc. what do i need to do next?

I'm assuming you mean the factory trailer brake controller?

As far as I know, this cannot be added to the system after it leaves the factory. At least it cannot be *easily* done on earlier generation trucks. The only option I'm aware of is to add a 3rd party controller. I have a Tekonsha P3 in my 2007 and it was a super easy install. It's also a super easy install in your generation of truck.

 

[BradM]

Yea. Factory Trailer Brake Controller. this is what i had and the next pic is the factory I installed. the first had dummy plugs on the back, but when i purchased the switch, they plugged right in. I don't understand why they would leave the harness, fuse, and all If I cant add it.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[Fless]

I'm assuming you mean the factory trailer brake controller?

As far as I know, this cannot be added to the system after it leaves the factory. At least it cannot be *easily* done on earlier generation trucks. The only option I'm aware of is to add a 3rd party controller. I have a Tekonsha P3 in my 2007 and it was a super easy install. It's also a super easy install in your generation of truck.

^^ This. Others will chime in, but at the least it would likely need programming and potentially a module or two. @swathdiver

 

[dpollak81]

Yea. Factory Trailer Brake Controller. this is what i had and the next pic is the factory I installed. the first had dummy plugs on the back, but when i purchased the switch, they plugged right in. I don't understand why they would leave the harness, fuse, and all If I cant add it.

With how everything runs through the computer system on these things I would bet it need an update to the programming to recognize the trailer brake controller.

When you thumb through the info screens in the display, does it give you a screen for the trailer brake? The screen should also come up if you hit the + - buttons on the controller too. If that screen comes up than you might just need to add some gain to it. If you don’t see that screen than I bet it will need a reflash to add the function.

 

[Geotrash]

Yea. Factory Trailer Brake Controller. this is what i had and the next pic is the factory I installed. the first had dummy plugs on the back, but when i purchased the switch, they plugged right in. I don't understand why they would leave the harness, fuse, and all If I cant add it.

Same is true on the earlier trucks. It's a forehead slapper for sure. More evidence for my theory: https://chevroletforum.com/forum/ta...ry-integrate-trailer-brake-controller-102441/

Evidently, even though the wiring is there, you're still missing 2-3 additional control modules needed to make it work.

 

[swathdiver]

If the wiring is there, he may just need to add the missing pieces and program it and voila, ITBC! Better get a subscription to the shop manual and wiring harnesses at AllDataDIY.

If all you have to do is plug in the missing pieces, then you can have it programmed through ACDelco's TDS with a 2-year subscription to your VIN.

 

[BradM]

With how everything runs through the computer system on these things I would bet it need an update to the programming to recognize the trailer brake controller.

When you thumb through the info screens in the display, does it give you a screen for the trailer brake? The screen should also come up if you hit the + - buttons on the controller too. If that screen comes up than you might just need to add some gain to it. If you don’t see that screen than I bet it will need a reflash to add the function.

it does not have the screen that i can add/subtract the gain. i spoke to a guy in my area and they said 2013 and older had to be programmed, but from 2014 to current did not. I don't know how true that is

 

[BradM]

Same is true on the earlier trucks. It's a forehead slapper for sure. More evidence for my theory: https://chevroletforum.com/forum/ta...ry-integrate-trailer-brake-controller-102441/

Evidently, even though the wiring is there, you're still missing 2-3 additional control modules needed to make it work.

Thanks for the info. Guess I'm getting a Tekonsha

 

[BradM]

If the wiring is there, he may just need to add the missing pieces and program it and voila, ITBC! Better get a subscription to the shop manual and wiring harnesses at AllDataDIY.

If all you have to do is plug in the missing pieces, then you can have it programmed through ACDelco's TDS with a 2-year subscription to your VIN.

THANKS

 

[swathdiver]

it does not have the screen that i can add/subtract the gain. i spoke to a guy in my area and they said 2013 and older had to be programmed, but from 2014 to current did not. I don't know how true that is

It cannot be added to the GMT900s without dismantling the car and installing new wiring harnesses. It was simplified on the K2s but it's not my area of expertise.

 

[Tahoe14]

This was looked at several years ago and it was determined that it could not be added. There may be an old thread or two floating around, it was discussed for the pickup and the Tahoe, Suburban. Too much money, too much programming if it could even be done, cheaper to trade or buy one that had it installed at the factory. The conclusion was to use the portable one that connects to the wiring under the dash. Several different manufactures to choose from.

 

[topaq]

It's my understanding that the harnesses are the same whether you have the MAX Tow package with the integrated trailer brake controller or not (to save money). Just not connected to anything. Without the MAX Tow package, you don't get the ITB controller, the module that communicates with the car's computer, or any of the other needed components. So more than just programming is needed. Everything I also have read indicates that an aftermarket brake controller is your only option.