If your truck displays the service trailer brake system error message on its
dashboard, it must be reset immediately as this could lead to serious accidents or
cause irreparable damage to both yourself and the vehicle.
Problems could stem from either disconnection in the wiring, or malfunction in a
module; either way it represents a safety concern and should be resolved promptly by a trained auto technician.
Brake light
There can be various reasons for why your service trailer brake system light has
come on. One common factor is when one or more fuses have been blown, which
controls power for certain components in a vehicle and are meant to go off when too
much voltage is present.
Resetting the brake controller system requires several tools, including a flathead
screwdriver and an assistant, in addition to taking some physical steps such as
removing and using a star wheel adjuster to loosen its controlling nut – this should
allow free rotation of your wheel once more.
Brake pedal
Brake pedals in trailer braking systems are essential safety features that should be
regularly examined and maintained; however, there are ways you can reset your
trailer brake controller without spending money at a professional mechanic’s workshop.
Locate and loosen the adjustment nut located close to your axle. A flathead
screwdriver can help with this step.
Once your nut is loose, the next step should be removing and installing a new one –
this will ensure your trailer brakes are operating as planned.
Brake pads
Brake pads are an essential element of a trailer’s braking system and should be
regularly checked and changed when they become worn down over time. Replacing
them should be an easy DIY job with just a few tools needed; additionally it’s wise to
check all fuseboxes associated with trailer braking systems to make sure nothing unexpected pops up!
The Service Trailer Brake System message on your dashboard could be caused by
many different things, from a broken control switch or wiring problems, to simply
being disorienting. If unsure, try disabling or unplugging the brake controller; for
hardwired models, cut any wire connecting it directly with the trailer brake output wire and cut this.
Brake calipers
Brake calipers in your trailer brake system are essential in providing reliable
stopping power, but problems can arise with them over time. They could become
swollen and cause extra work; should this occur, replacement will likely be necessary.
If your GMC Sierra displays a “service trailer brake message”, this could indicate an
issue with its ITBC module – for instance, being unable to connect with its wiring
harness, or not detecting an attached trailer.
To resolve this issue, remove the wheel and adjust its nut to ensure its tightness
with the wheel – either with a “star wheel” adjuster or flathead screwdriver.
Relay
Silverado trailer brake systems are intended to ensure smooth travel while towing
heavy loads, but are susceptible to various problems including wire deterioration,
binding, seizure and seizure. When these occur they may cause the “Service Trailer
Bra Controller” message to appear on your dashboard indicating there is something
blocking electrical current flow through its wiring or modules and this warning signal
indicates such issue is present in your system.
Thankfully, this is a simple problem to fix: just unplug the brake controller to disable
it; or if your hardwired controller allows access between its output wire and trailer brakes.
Wiring
Your GMC Sierra’s trailer brake system contains multiple parts, such as its ITBCintegrated trailer brake controller. When an ITBC fails, an error message titled
“Service Trailer Brake System” appears on your dash; driving with this message in
view may still be possible, though safety should always come first.
One of the main issues associated with ITBCs is wiring disconnections due to
corrosion or damage. A 30 amp fuse located either within its power distribution
center or under the hood should serve this system; an ineffective fuse can prevent
ITBCs from connecting to their power sources.