When your truck’s dashboard displays a message of ‘Service Trailer Brake System,’
this indicates a problem with its trailer brake controller – typically due to
disconnected wiring or an improper module installation.
However, this issue can be solved without professional services if you understand
how to strategically reset the trailer brake controller – saving both time and money in the process.
1. Unbolt the Wheel
When you notice “Service Trailer Brake System” appearing on your dashboard, this
indicates a problem with your trailer brake controller and should be treated as an
imminent safety risk. Wait until professional service providers reset this message
before driving your vehicle again.
Symptoms of this issue include difficulty turning the wheel and excessive braking
pressure. You can test the trailer’s brake controller by connecting it to another
trailer and applying its brakes; if everything works as it should, an increase in
voltage should occur when applying them.
Depending on the nature of the problem, disconnecting and waiting a minute before
reconnecting the brake controller could solve its inefficiency and turn off its warning
light. If this doesn’t do it for you, replacing may be necessary or trying cleaning or
checking connections for signs of corrosion or damage might also work.
2. Unbolt the Locknut
Trailer brake systems are essential components of safe towing. If the Service Trailer
Brake System Ram 1500 warning message pops up on your dashboard, it is
imperative that you address this problem immediately in order to avoid damaging
both vehicle and trailer. One way of doing so would be removing one wheel at a time
using a screwdriver to loosen locknuts before driving again.
There can be numerous causes of your Ram 1500 service trailer brake system
warning light to illuminate. One of the more likely reasons is a blown fuse, which
provides power to various electronic components of the car including its trailer
braking system. A faulty fuse can lead to malfunction and potentially lead to an accident.
An effective solution is to unplug or cut the brake controller, stopping power from
reaching your trailer brakes. If that isn’t an option, cut any output wire between your
trailer and controller as that should prevent power from flowing through to them.
3. Unbolt the Adjusting Nut
Assuring the safety of both you and your trailer while traveling is of the utmost
importance. Keep an eye out for any problems with this system, and ensure they are
rectified as quickly as possible to avoid accidents or further damage to both vehicle.
Step one is locating the adjustment nut. It should be located near the back of your
trailer brake system. After finding it, use a flat screw driver to loosen and turn
clockwise the locknut that secures it – then adjust your adjustment nut accordingly
to reset your trailer brake system.
Once your trailer brake system has been reset, the service trailer brake system
message should have dissipated from your dashboard. However, if it persists further
diagnostics may be necessary.
4. Turn the Adjusting Nut Clockwise
Sometimes you may notice your truck showing the “service trailer brake system”
message even though you aren’t towing anything at all, which could be caused by
various things such as a blown fuse or defective wiring.
One way to address this problem is by unplugging and disconnecting the brake
controller from your trailer, stopping power to the brakes and enabling you to reset
them. If that isn’t an option for you then cutting the output wire between trailer and
brake controller may also work as a solution.
Once this step has been taken, then you can remove both the lock nut and
adjustment nut. With both removed, turn clockwise until the adjustment nut rests
snugly against its component’s rear plate – this should reset your system and
eliminate warning lights. However, if this problem continues then there may be
larger issues within your brakes themselves that require professional attention.