When the “service trailer brake system” message pops up on your truck’s
dashboard, it can indicate a disconnect between your brake controller and module
that could result in malfunctioning brakes that prevent them from operating as intended.
Resetting the service trailer brake system is straightforward. Simply remove the
wheel and locate its adjustment nut located at the back of your trailer; loosen its lock
nut using a flathead screwdriver and loosen its lock nut lock nut using an adjustable wrench.
Brake shoes
Brake shoes are an integral component of drum brake systems, pushing outward to
create friction against the brake drums and bring your trailer to an abrupt halt.
Brake shoe return springs and hardware should be carefully examined to ensure
optimal functioning, replacing any springs that show signs of corrosion as soon as possible.
Wear-and-tear on brake shoes will produce a scraping or squeaking noise when
pressing down on the pedal, prompting replacement before they completely wear out.
Brake drums
If the Service Trailer Brake System message illuminates on your trailer, the first
thing to check for is a blown fuse. Fuses only function properly when they receive
voltage at their designated levels and operate within their specifications.
Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the lock nut that secures the brake adjustment
nut (located at the rear of your trailer). Turning clockwise until snug against its backing plate.
Brake calipers
If this message appears on your truck dashboard, it indicates that its trailer brakes
need to be reset. Ignoring it could lead to accidents.
Once located, loosen it using a flathead screwdriver and turn clockwise until free. Be
mindful not to overtighten or you could cause irreparable damage to your trailer brakes!
Brake pads
Installing a trailer brake system can be complex. If a voltmeter does not register
maximum voltage outputs during actuation tests or readings don’t match
manufacturer schematics, there may be an electrical wiring issue that needs to be resolved.
This is one of the most frequently experienced trailer brake issues, prompting the
service trailer brake system error message on your truck dashboard. It poses serious
safety concerns that must be rectified quickly; fortunately, repair is straightforward;
this article will walk you through every step.
Brake hoses
Brake hoses that connect a brake controller to trailer brakes may become tight. To
loosen them, you will need a flathead screwdriver, piece of wood or rock, and a
strong hammer to pry open their locknut.
First, raise your truck onto jack stands and secure any wheels still resting on the
ground. Remove one wheel. With that done, use a wrench to loosen banjo bolt using
wrenching action before turning clockwise to loosen adjusting nut.
Brake cables
When the “Service Trailer Brake System” message appears on your dashboard, it
often indicates a problem with the ITBC (Integrated Trailer Brake Controller). This
could be due to any number of reasons, including blown fuses, broken wires or corrosion on connections.
Your Silverado, Chevrolet or GMC truck’s fault message can easily be reset with just
a few simple tools. Here’s how: first locate the adjusting nut on the brake cable
adjusting mechanism; secondly locate and open up this section of brake cable to
access its adjustment nut; finally open up and close this section of cable in turn to
reset this fault message on the dashboard of your Silverado/Chevy/GMC truck;
thirdly open your engine bay door (if applicable); finally locating and opening both
sides of this section adjusting nut on brake cable adjusting mechanism will do it;
reverse it will reset this fault message on any Silverado/Chevy/GMC truck equipped
with this fault message displayed, however. Here is how this step-outside of doing it
with simple tools available from inside using basic hand tools just basic handing
tools needed; here’s what I did to reset my fault message (first locate this) then
reverse this fault message (within seconds!) followed by this procedure: (1) locate
brake cable adjusting nut; (2) locate an adjust the cable itself (this step 1); 3). Find
brake cable adjustment nut; locate its end; locate brake cable with cable (to locate);
pull cable. – it must have an adjusting nut or tighten adjusting nut or adjustering nut
on it (i then locate this location). First locate this will do it (step one). Here’s how:
Step 1) Theno step 2.) Start off here). Now locate brake cable adjust.) To do it; (3)
Adjustment (step ), locate its end ( ) it before its end ( locating this is where this part
should have its end; located this will need be adjusted and tighten adjusting nut
located adjusting cable), (then and pull back onto it’s end). then pull cable; see
Figure out your brake cable). (If any need adjustment). (d by following..), (d), next
find its adjust). (
Brake adjusting nut
Trailer brakes are an essential safety feature, which should work flawlessly.
Unfortunately, sometimes things go awry and display an “Emergency Trailer Brake
System Maintenance Required” message on your truck’s dashboard.
This issue is typically the result of a faulty fuse. A fuse monitors voltage levels and
sends out warning messages if they become excessively high; to reset one requires
only minimal tools: a flathead screwdriver and assistant are needed – however the
outer bearing should also come off quite easily.
Brake adjusting locknut
To reset the system, remove the wheel and use a flat screwdriver to loosen its lock
nut. Rotate the adjusting nut clockwise until it presses firmly against the back plate;
be careful not to tighten too tightly!
If your truck’s display shows the message “service trailer brake,” it’s essential that
you check its fuses and wires. Disconnecting and cutting out its output wire may
stop electricity flowing to this system.