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Factory Trailer Brake Controller (Kit)

101K views 33 replies 22 participants last post by  davester3500  
#1 ·
So, my 2015 Silverado 1500 4WD did not come with a factory-installed trailer brake controller. To the left of the steering wheel, there is a Light knob and a 2WD/4WD knob, and a square cut out above them for loose change or whatever. The cut out is where the factory trailer brake controller would go, if installed from the factory. So, I asked a dealer Service Tech and he told me that in early 2016, GM is supposedly coming out with a 3pc kit that includes the trailer brake controller, the wiring harness, and a replacement plastic plate to accommodate it. He did not have a GM part# yet, but stated that the kit would be $300. I will be picking one up, as I prefer the clean look of a factory controller and like that it links up to the Chevy MyLink computer. Anyway, I just thought some of you might want to know this.
 
#5 ·
It might be possible that you could retrofit the '14 and '15s, but I doubt it. For the longest time we have been told that you need to add sensors and wiring and change modules.
GM may have decided to add all of that to every 2016, so you could just add it later. I feel certain that they did not do it on the earlier trucks.
But, I have been wrong once or twice in the past.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
While my truck came with the factory controller, I have wondered how difficult it would be for someone to add the factory controller.
As long as the truck had the trailer brake control module already installed (#10 in the attached pic), the factory controller might simply be plug n play.
Trailer Brake Controller.jpg
 

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#7 ·
Supposedly there is another sensor that is installed in the master cylinder, to read applied brake pressure. That would require either machining the MC or replacing it, adding some wiring, and probably programming/reprogramming/recoding modules. None of which seems impossible, just difficult and expensive.
I have been under the impression that all of this would just cost to much to be worth it.

It is definitely possible the GM has realized that enough people might want this that they have added the wiring to the standard harness. I can't see them installing a module that is not required though. If it is just an added function of an existing one then that should be a no brainer. A sensor in the MC? Probably not, but if the harness plug is already there then I could see it being included in the kit. Unless the fitting to plug the MC costs almost as much as the sensor.

Considering that all of the wiring is not preinstalled on all of the '15s to install the camper mirrors with full functionality, I question how much extra GM would preinstall on the '16s. I am sure enough people and dealers have complained about not being able to retrofit the brake controller that GM listened.
I just think we would have known sooner if it would be as easy as changing the bezel, installing a harness and controller. Someone would have already done it.
 
#10 ·
Hello everyone, did anyone figured out any news about adding ITBC to 2017 1500 silverado??? I picked up mine last week, truck came without it. At the beginning the sales man told me that this can be added and later I was told that only the aftermarket can be installed. I did some homework and I know that I have JL1 module installed underneath my bed #10 on the picture on previous post, and I have plug with wires coming to the place where the ITBC switch should be located. I'm assuming that Im missing only the switch and reprogramming the cluster gauge. Dealer told me that i have to bring the truck to them so they can take a look on this. I'll post more info once ill find out more.
 
#11 ·
getmore said:
Supposedly there is another sensor that is installed in the master cylinder, to read applied brake pressure. That would require either machining the MC or replacing it, adding some wiring, and probably programming/reprogramming/recoding modules. None of which seems impossible, just difficult and expensive.
I have been under the impression that all of this would just cost to much to be worth it.
That's what I was told when I asked about adding it to my 13. I just mounted an aftermarket Brake controller.

Bob
 
#12 ·
I am having similar problem with my 2017 Silverado, i purchased the in-dash electric trailer brake controller and plugged it in, however once i hooked my trailer the computer in my truck did not recognize it. The dealer told me i may need a module and then they would need to program it. Later, I looked under my truck and i do see what appears to be a module already there, so i was planning to go back to the dealer to see if only programming is needed. Have you made any progress on your truck in regards to installing the trailer brake controller?
 
#14 ·
sub'd.
My 2017 didn't come with the ITBC either and I would like to add it if possible.

I found this with a little digging, can't verify the accuracy of it though:

Factory controller can not be added to a 2014-2017 truck. GM does offer a plug and play aftermarket controller made by Curt p/n 19330154.

From GM on adding the factory one:

#PIT5241D: Adding Integrated Trailer Brake Controller RPO JL1 - (Sep 13, 2016)
Condition/Concern
Some customers may request the factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (RPO JL1) be installed on their Full-Size Pickup or SUV when the vehicle was not ordered with the option.

This is to advise you that, if the vehicle does not have the option (RPO JL1), it cannot be added to the vehicle.

Note: Reference the latest version of PI1105 - which advises how to install an aftermarket trailer brake controller.
 
#15 ·
My dealer and pretty much every thread I have read online said it was not possible or financially impractical to add the factory controller to the 2014+ trucks if it didn't come with one. Which is why my dealer orders every one of their trucks with one.

But if you do figure it out make sure to do a detailed write up

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#16 ·
Malin21 said:
Hello everyone, did anyone figured out any news about adding ITBC to 2017 1500 silverado??? I picked up mine last week, truck came without it. At the beginning the sales man told me that this can be added and later I was told that only the aftermarket can be installed. I did some homework and I know that I have JL1 module installed underneath my bed #10 on the picture on previous post, and I have plug with wires coming to the place where the ITBC switch should be located. I'm assuming that Im missing only the switch and reprogramming the cluster gauge. Dealer told me that i have to bring the truck to them so they can take a look on this. I'll post more info once ill find out more.
I came across this post on the forum and I'm wanting to do the same thing? Did you get anywhere? I have a 17 with the module under the bed like you, took the switch out of a friends truck, plugged it in, and NADA

There has to be more to it than the switch, module, and harness.

I'm wondering if I can take the harness that comes for the Curt aftermarket controller and run the factory style switch through the 4 plug harness? I'd hook up the 4 wires to the coordinating wires on the factory plug, then plug that harness in under the dash. Would look factory but just wouldn't show the gain on the dash.
 
#17 ·
Hello I am new to the site and just purchased a 2017 GMC Sierra.
I am in the process of finding out if it is possible it install the factory trailer brake controller as well. I have corporate GM involved in trying to get this issue resolved. In my mind there should be no reason it cannot be installed other manufactures can do it why cant GM.
 
#23 ·
Can't do it....There's a lot more to it than just the dash panel and the dash controls. It also requires some level of reprogramming. Not a silple plug and play job.....BTW....My '15 came the same way, and I installed the Tekonsha Prodigy in the compartment that tilts open below the switch cluster below the climate control. I modified the compartment so that the controller can stay in there permanently and I can open/close the compartment when I tow and when I don't.

The good aftermarket controllers also work much better than the factory one.
 
#26 ·