If your 2014 GMC Sierra shows the “Service Trailer Brake System” message, don’t
ignore it – take action to reset the system immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
As soon as your brake controller has been disconnected, cut its output wire. If this
method doesn’t work for your setup, cut all three output lines that connect it to your
trailer brakes before cutting your output wire off completely.
Trailer Sway Control
The Trailer Sway Control feature provides an effective way to combat trailer sway by
combining a truck’s standard StabiliTrak with its trailer brake controller. It monitors
your speed and weight distribution before intervening if sway occurs using brakes
and reduced engine power as necessary to keep the trailer attached securely behind your vehicle.
Equal-i-zer hitch heads offer an integrated sway control feature to reduce trailer
sway caused by semi trucks, strong winds or quick maneuvers. It uses powerful
points of rotational friction to resist trailer sway. It can help drivers stay safer on the
road by minimizing or eliminating trailer swaying caused by these factors.
Avoid driving with a service trailer brake system message flashing on your truck, as
this indicates an issue with its ITBC-integrated trailer brake controller wiring or
module. Although its computer should generate codes that can easily be read with a
scan tool, dealers have noted that sometimes no codes are generated at all by this system.
TapShift Controls
GMC Sierra offers several trailering technologies designed to improve acceleration,
safety, and braking for trailering applications. Some examples include Hill Start
Assist which holds the brake for 1.5 seconds when releasing gas pedal to prevent
vehicle from rolling backward on hillsides; an excellent feature for those who
frequently transport trailers.
However, sometimes this system gives error messages. When “Service Trailer Brake
Controller” appears as an error message, this indicates an issue with an ITBCintegrated trailer brake controller module or wiring and could prevent signals from
reaching where they should go. This is a serious matter because this prevents
signals from being sent where they should.
Unplugging the brake controller from your vehicle may be enough to solve this
problem, however if this is impossible due to hardwiring issues you could cut any
output wire between it and the brakes in order to cut power from reaching them and
stop any warning lights from popping up.
Trailer Grade Braking
The Trailer Grade Braking feature works in tandem with Sierra models equipped with
integrated trailer brake controllers to reduce brake rotor temperatures and prolong
their service lives. It automatically downshifts during long downgrades to assist
braking and maintain appropriate vehicle speed, thus minimizing wear on brake
rotors and wear and tear on tires.
While it is technically possible to drive with the service trailer brake system warning
message illuminated, it would be wiser to wait until this issue has been addressed
before doing so. Driving could endanger both the brake itself and potentially result
in unplanned collisions.
ITBC modules may experience issues that prevent power from reaching them for
regular functioning, typically caused by a blown fuse. To fix it, locate and replace all
fuses within your vehicle’s fuse box; this should provide enough electricity for
normal function to resume as soon as the damaged fuse has been replaced with one
that hasn’t blown again. This should provide continuous power source to resume
normal function of ITBC module.
Trailer Brake Controller
The Trailer Brake Controller feature leverages your truck’s standard wiring harness
to activate trailer brakes when attached. It works seamlessly with Sierra’s StabiliTrak
stability control to help ensure the trailer remains on its intended path while driving,
and reduce trailer sway by applying brakes or decreasing engine power accordingly.
This system features a large, easy-to-read dual-digit display and lets you choose
from several preset load weight settings for quick setup. Compatible with 1-3 axle
trailers and covered by Tekonsha’s limited 1-year warranty.
This system is an excellent option for anyone wanting greater control of their trailer
brakes. Mounting it below the dash allows you to manually activate them whenever
desired and calibrating easily up to max payload capacity; plus it’s simple to turn off
in case you ever need to leave your trailer unattended for a period.