When your truck’s dashboard displays “service trailer brake system“, this usually
indicates that its ITBC module isn’t receiving sufficient power to function efficiently – typically due to wiring issues.
To effectively address this problem, it’s crucial that you know how to quickly switch
off the service trailer brake system in a few steps. First locate and identify the
adjustment nut located at the back of your trailer brake; use a flat screwdriver to loosen it.
Unplug the Brake Controller
When this warning appears on your dashboard (only for trucks equipped with an
ITBC – Integrated Trailer Brake Controller), it signifies a problem within your system –
typically either because a fuse has blown, or wires have become disconnected.
Unplug the brake controller, as this will cut power to its system and stop it from
displaying this message on your truck’s dashboard.
As soon as your brake controller has been unplugged, you must remove its adjusting
nut using a flat screw driver and hammer. After untwisting it clockwise enough so it
firmly presses against its back plate of the component, be careful not to tighten too
tightly, as doing so could reset your system and disable warning lights.
Cut the Output Wire
Unplugging your truck’s trailer brake controller is usually the simplest solution to
resetting it; once disconnected, no electricity or power will flow into its system.
However, this might not always be possible depending on whether your vehicle uses
hardwired controllers; in such a situation you could cut any output wire between
trailer and controller to temporarily disable trailer braking system.
Why Are You Receiving the “Service Trailer Bra System Error Message on Your GMC
Silverado or Chevy Pickup” There can be various causes for receiving this error
message on your GMC Silverado or Chevy pickup, from something as minor as a fuse
or loose connection, to more severe problems like a bad brake controller or wiring
harness. Luckily, however, it should be relatively straightforward and painless to
resolve this issue and clear away that warning light from your dashboard! Simply
follow these steps! –Ryan
Remove the Wheel
If the Service Trailer Brake System message appears on your dashboard, that
indicates something is amiss in your truck’s electrical system. Even something as
minor as a fuse monitoring power becoming unstable could trigger this warning;
these fuses can easily be replaced, however their proper functioning depends on
having enough current running to them.
If you want to turn off this warning light, a few tools and ideally an assistant are essential.
At first, you must disassemble the wheel. Locate and loosen the adjusting nut behind
the hub with a flathead screwdriver before removing the dust cap from its position in
the hub; hopefully this should come off without much difficulty; check your user
manual if needed for further instructions!
Reset the Brakes
If a service trailer brake system warning message appears on your dashboard, this
indicates that the factory integrated trailer brake controller may have become
disconnected from its power source and must be reset immediately before it causes
accidents or damages your truck and trailer.
Resetting brakes and disabling service trailer brake systems is relatively
straightforward, all it requires are some basic tools such as a flat screwdriver, piece
of rock or solid wood, and a hammer. Once these are in hand, the process can begin immediately.
Use a screw driver to loosen the locknut that secures the adjusting nut of the brake
controller, and once free, turn it clockwise until it rests firmly against its back plate.
Reassemble all parts as directed afterwards.