OEM trailer brake wiring.....adding slider on '16 model

[cssnider1]

My 2016 Z71 LT w/2LT did not come with the factory trailer brake controller.

 

But I pulled the dash bezel off this weekend while I was wrapping the bezel with camo wrap and I noticed that there is a plug that was plugged in to the back side of the cubby in a blanked off slot.

 

Now my question is, if the plug and wiring is there where the factory slider would normally go, can the slider be added just by plugging it in? or would there be more to it than just that, if it can be done at all?

 

There is a plug and harness there, so I would assume that it is for the factory trailer brake since that's where it is plugged in to.

[JRL1164]

My 2016 Z71 LT w/2LT did not come with the factory trailer brake controller.

 

But I pulled the dash bezel off this weekend while I was wrapping the bezel with camo wrap and I noticed that there is a plug that was plugged in to the back side of the cubby in a blanked off slot.

 

Now my question is, if the plug and wiring is there where the factory slider would normally go, can the slider be added just by plugging it in? or would there be more to it than just that, if it can be done at all?

 

There is a plug and harness there, so I would assume that it is for the factory trailer brake since that's where it is plugged in to.

 

This is not possible unfortunately. The system will not recognize it and the BCM can not be reprogramed for it.

[cssnider1]

 

This is not possible unfortunately. The system will not recognize it and the BCM can not be reprogramed for it.

Figures.....but why would the plug and the harness be back there then?

[darkfox1]

The wiring behind the dash includes a lot of options, the trailer brake is one of them, the heated seats is another.

 

Even if your wiring is all there under the dash, the BCM wont recognize it, this is by design from GM. They CAN do ANYTING to the bcm, but they wont. Your BCM has ot match your vin and options etc.

 

Sometimes they make things that are add-ins like remote start, you can have the bcm programmed with a code from GM. when you buy the kit it comes with one, there is no kit for the TBC however.

 

Also, even if all the wiring were there, your fuse panel under theood may very well not have the relays required to complete the circuit. These relays are SEALED INSIDE THE FUSE PANEL and cannot be removed or added.

 

so.. sorry.. if you need a TBC, there is a kit I think that allows for aftermarket.

[cssnider1]

I don't really need it, being that none of my trailers have electric brakes. I just thought that it was odd that there was a plug plugged in to the back of the cubby where the trailer brake controller is.

 

 

does anyone know what the code is for that package? I think its JL1 but I'm not sure.

 

I read on another forum that there is supposed to be a kit from GM for the 16 models that is plug and play for the TBC...may have to call the dealer.

[darkfox1]

I am seeing a lot of 16s with tbcs, so that may be true! I know the above was true for 14/15 however, and the GMT-900s before it.

[cssnider1]

I am seeing a lot of 16s with tbcs, so that may be true! I know the above was true for 14/15 however, and the GMT-900s before it.

 

I have seen alot of 16s with it........I'm gonna crawl under the back when I get home and see if the module is mounted at the back under the bed. That would definitely be a dead giveaway

 

I had it on my 09 GMC sierra SLT.....back then it was rare to have the TBC......it would be nice to have it again.

[cssnider1]

Called my service guy....he's checking in to it for the 16 models. He said the plug wasn't there on the older models..

 

 

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[JRL1164]

Called my service guy....he's checking in to it for the 16 models. He said the plug wasn't there on the older models..

 

 

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If it's doable that's gonna upset me lol, that was the only feature my '14 didn't have but couldn't pass up the deal I got.

[theatasigma]

I don't really need it, being that none of my trailers have electric brakes. I just thought that it was odd that there was a plug plugged in to the back of the cubby where the trailer brake controller is.

 

 

does anyone know what the code is for that package? I think its JL1 but I'm not sure.

 

I read on another forum that there is supposed to be a kit from GM for the 16 models that is plug and play for the TBC...may have to call the dealer.

IIRC it is a kit that mounts under the dash and plugs into one of the harnesses. I remember reading about a while ago.

[Rayce08]

Called my service guy....he's checking in to it for the 16 models. He said the plug wasn't there on the older models..

 

 

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what plug ? my 15 has the same plug behind the panel and i dont have the TBC .... i think all the trucks probably have the plug but theres alot more too it than that , programming and module under bed , theres a huge thread on this already

[cssnider1]

Maybe so....just makes me curious GM would blank off a plug for no reason

 

 

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[darkfox1]

Na, they do it a lot. I think they have a base harness for WT/LT trucks and a base harness for LTZ trucks, its probably cheaper form a mfg standpoint to include that bit of wire and the plug vs having a custom harness for each option like this.

[TJay74]

From what GM engineering told me, the harness is the same for certain harnesses like the IPC harness, more cost effective that way. As said, if the truck did not come with the TBC you cant add it after the fact. It requires a programming change to the BCM that the dealer will not be able to do, GM will not update the BCM for your VIN no matter what the dealer says or who they ask. The modules are only programmed for the features that VIN had when it left the factory.

 

GM offers a harness that is plug and play for a 3rd party TBC, you can get it from the dealer pars dept. As far as the rear slider, I was told it can be done provided the truck has all of the correct harness in place, only bad is parts alone it is over $1000 then plus what ever the dealer charges you to install in.

[darkfox1]

in 20-30 years when we're restoring these, someone will have a BCM hack or something cos GM will release the codes.. and people will be able to have every single truck fully loaded, 90% plug n play.

 

The only reason this is a problem is because GM is keeping a lock on it so that you will buy a new truck instead of up trimming.

 

I would feel thats kind of a dirty tactic, but.. I'm pertty sure every manuf. does it, and GM is, if anything, MORE up trim friendly than others.