GM Integrated Brake Controller

[Smax]

Hi All -

I reviewed some of the prior posts concerning issues with the GM controller. Save me a little research and tell me what you think.

Truck is new (2016 2500 HD). Trailer is 2000 Sunnybrook.

I am getting the trailer connected/check trailer wiring/check brake wiring...

Never had issues with connection beyond the occasional cleaning etc. Got the new truck and have had nothing but problems. Figured it was the old pigtail so I put a new one on. Same issue, but I did notice it does not seem to plug in firmly. Shook the pigtail and noticed I was getting the warnings. So I wrapped it with a velcro strap. Went on a short trip last week. Still got warnings, but mostly only when I hit a bump, and then it would continue to ding, ding, ding, ding. I'm still hearing dings...

I had to pull over once and redo the velcro. It stopped for quite a while..until I hit a bump.

Checked the trailer wires best I could and did not seem to matter if I shook any of the obvious wires under the trailer. So I think it is right at the connector...

Connector on the truck is the problem?

Max

[Krusty]

You might want to use a seal pick or similar tool to give each terminal in the trucks connector a little bend to increase its tension when you plug the trailer in to it. Sounds like just a bad connection there.

[Smax]

I'll see if I can find a Pollak plug locally and see if it fits tighter.

Thanks

[trail-explorer]

I can't seem to find the bulletin I thought I'd seen, but what I have found is multiple recommendations to use a "Pollak" brand connector / pigtail on the trailer, as they are a better fit than Bargman or Hopkins.

[HuckleberryHunt]

I used my 2016 2500HD with my 1999 Layton this last weekend. No problems. I do spray deoxidizing solution on the connectors before using them and make sure every individual connection has a nice tight fit. I do think the pigtail sits a little looser in the new GM connector than on my old truck, but it didn't seem to present a problem at all. I'd either replace your pigtail or check the individual connector tabs in the pigtail to see if they provide enough friction when mating with the GM connector.

[trail-explorer]

You found the problem - loose fitting pigtail in to the truck plug.

It's a known issue that some pigtails are not made to the correct spec size (diameter) and fit loosely in the OEM truck plug.
Some brands of pigtails are better than others.

I had the problem all the time with the "check trailer wiring" warning on the DIC.
I made a comment about it to someone, and he described the problem. I changed the trailer cord to one that fits tighter, problem was solved.

I thing there's even a bulletin that GM published about this because so many people were trying to blame the truck, when in fact it was the crappy cord

[Bob_Olallawa]

Sounds like the controller is doing its job quite well. Need to check the connections at the truck plug-in, both ends of it. If you can't find the problem, have the dealer fix it as it is under warranty.

[hawkeye-08]

I think you answered your own question, it is a connection somewhere, likely near the plug at the back of the truck, but not for sure.

My 2011 had a problem once, I unplugged and plugged the connector several times and made sure the lock was latched on it (plastic cover that holds the connector in). No problems since.