A trailer brake system enables the driver of a towing vehicle to regulate effort with
relative ease; however, it’s susceptible to problems like wiring faults, corrosion, or seizure.
When your dashboard displays the “Service Trailer Bra System Message,” it
indicates there is a problem with either your trailer brake module or wiring, which
poses an immediate danger. Do not drive until this issue has been rectified.
Wiring Issues
In most cases, this message indicates that your truck’s trailer brake controller is
experiencing difficulty receiving power. It is vital that this issue be rectified as soon
as possible to avoid potential accidents occurring due to this lack of power being supplied to it.
Unplugging the brake controller from your vehicle is often the quickest and simplest
solution, as this will cut its power supply and stop receiving signals. However, this
may not always be possible depending on its hardwired nature; in that instance, try
cutting the output wire between trailer and controller instead.
Check your fuses. Almost every electronic system on your car uses a fuse to regulate
voltage; when too much voltage flows through, if too much current passes through
too fast and blows the fuse out it can explode and require replacement; once done
you should resume driving as per usual but a blown fuse could indicate even deeper
issues; should that persist, seek assistance from an auto shop immediately to resolve it.
Faulty Brake Controller
If the “faulty trailer brake system” message appears after connecting your trailer,
there could be several potential mechanical and electrical problems that need to be
addressed. You should first verify if your brake controller is synchronized properly
with your trailer by looking at its display; or consider that its power wire has become
unplugged from either its trailer plug or vehicle plug through corrosion in its
connectors – another potential cause. Use a voltmeter to check whether Park Lamp
Fuse INT PRK 10amp in your instrument fuse panel is functioning.
Your truck’s faulty trailer brake system warning light indicates there may be an issue
with its controller or module that’s impeding electrical flow to and from your trailer.
Although these systems should generate codes that help identify the source of any
potential problems, sometimes these codes don’t appear and are difficult to interpret.
Faulty Relay
Trailer brake systems are an integral safety measure when towing heavy loads,
providing your driver with full control of its operations. However, this system can
become vulnerable due to corrosion, seizure, binding and wire deterioration if
exposed to long distance driving or frequent trips. To maintain optimal trailer brake
operation and performance. it’s important to regularly service and inspect them –
particularly for frequent journeys where corrosion, seizure seizure binding
deterioration are risks – therefore service should be carried out regularly or as often
as needed – especially on long journeys or frequent trips where driving conditions exist.
If your trailer brake controller contains a faulty relay, this error message could arise.
The relay may fail to recognize voltage coming from trailer brakes and as a result
fail to send proper commands to brake actuators for activation.
Your trailer brake controller relay can easily be replaced. The procedure is
straightforward and only requires basic tools; once removed from your vehicle and
unplugged from its plug. Next step should be locating and unplugging fuse from
under hood or dash power distribution center in order to access relay.
Faulty Wiring
When your trailer brake system lights up, it is usually due to an electrical wiring
issue ranging from a bad fuse or corrosion-induced corrosion connection. To properly
address the issue and fix it correctly, it’s advisable that it is taken to a certified
repair shop who will diagnose and address this problem correctly.
Problems often arise with an ITBC (Integrated Trailer Brake Controller). This module
controls your trailer’s brakes, so if it malfunctions it will set off a warning light and
prevent you from being able to use your trailer.
Chances are, your ITBC just needs adjusting; this can easily be accomplished by
removing the wheel and using either a “star” adjuster or flathead screwdriver to
tighten its controlling nut until it no longer can be turned. Once loosened again, use
of your trailer brakes will resume normally. In more serious instances however,
replacement of ITBC and related wire harnesses may be necessary for continued
proper function – an expensive process but essential in keeping trailer brakes
functioning as intended.