Brake Controller

Troy Thielen · August 21, 2016

I have a 2015 GMC Sierra SLT with just about everything on it except the built in factory trailer brake controller. So I bought an OEM replacement factory brake controller to install but now I heard that the vehicle's computer won't recognize the brake controller unless it's installed from the factory and it can't be re-programmed for that. Has anyone heard this about installing a factory brake controller after-the-fact? Any help or information you have would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!

Brianibew · August 22, 2016

Lots of threads on this one, just search. The short story is, it doesn't work, you'll have to go aftermarket.

TJay74 · August 22, 2016

Correct, cant be done. Return the OEM controller and buy an aftermarket one.

silveradosid · August 22, 2016

i put a hopkins in mine

johnny05 · August 22, 2016

It can be done but requires programing and a new chassis wire harness

TJay74 · August 22, 2016

It can be done but requires programing and a new chassis wire harness

Then incorrect, while you can get the chassis harness and to some degree the OP may already have it as certain trim level trucks use the same IP harness you wont be able to get past the programming issue. GM issued out a memo detailing this issue and said there was no way to program the BCM for the factory TBC if the vehicle didn't come with it from the factory.

johnny05 · August 22, 2016

Chris white can do the programming the work he does is amazing he can take a slt truck and put a denali insturment panel in you can get a hold of him from his website but only contact him on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm

O_J_Simpson · August 23, 2016

Then incorrect, while you can get the chassis harness and to some degree the OP may already have it as certain trim level trucks use the same IP harness you wont be able to get past the programming issue. GM issued out a memo detailing this issue and said there was no way to program the BCM for the factory TBC if the vehicle didn't come with it from the factory.

Several people can get past the programming issue with a custom program, including some here that offer the service. The only barrier is parts and a lot of money that makes this cost prohibited for most people.

Imcrazy · August 23, 2016

Just go with after market.

Z71hayss · August 23, 2016

I put a hopkins in mine too. Pretty simple stuff.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/178038-hopkins-insight-brake-controller/

TJay74 · August 23, 2016

Several people can get past the programming issue with a custom program, including some here that offer the service. The only barrier is parts and a lot of money that makes this cost prohibited for most people.

Not several people, one person and that is Chris White. He worked for GM in the past from what I remember from other boards he was on back in the day which is why he is so knowledgeable on GM stuff and how it works. He has been doing things to GM programming for years.

The only bad about having the BCM custom flashed is if the dealer ever flashes any update to your BCM you would lose the changes Chris makes to your BCM.

GTPprix · August 23, 2016

The only bad about having the BCM custom flashed is if the dealer ever flashes any update to your BCM you would lose the changes Chris makes to your BCM.

This is true so you have to be careful however the trailer brake actually involves multiple modules for example the display is on the IPC so we have to do work there as well. This aspect makes it even more difficult as well as expensive, we'd have to develop everything for multiple modules; not cheap (but doable).

johnny05 · August 23, 2016

Several people can get past the programming issue with a custom program, including some here that offer the service. The only barrier is parts and a lot of money that makes this cost prohibited for most people.

For me cost doesn't matter who else do you know that does programming

Imcrazy · August 24, 2016

For me cost doesn't matter who else do you know that does programming

If cost doesn't matter trade the truck in for one with the equipment you want, it's probably not going to be much more costly than having someone hack your truck up over a brake controller.

Semi off topic, why doesn't every GM truck with a tow package just come with the brake controller? Seems silly to me.