Your truck may display the service trailer brake system message if it detects a
problem with either its controller or modules that control trailer braking, and this
should be taken as an alert as soon as it occurs – until such time as it has been
resolved, do not drive your vehicle until all issues have been addressed.
Most frequently, the cause is a blown fuse – easily diagnosed using a simple fuse tester.
1. Brake Controller
Brake controllers are devices designed to send signals to trailers to engage their
brakes and regulate braking force, with settings accessible through various buttons
or dials that control these functions. Your controller may offer one with plus and
minus buttons or dials that enable you to set braking force or gain; some even
display this information on their screen.
Service Trailer Bra System message could also be caused by a fuse. Fuses serve as
safety features that monitor power usage in the system and protect it. Too much
current being supplied through it may overstrain and blow out the fuse, rendering it inoperable.
Fuse 10 can be found in the engine bay near the battery, and is a 30 amp fuse.
Replacing it is simple by following instructions found in your owner’s manual.
Likewise, check if the brake fluid reservoir is full before adding more fluid if necessary.
2. Master Cylinder
The master cylinder of your trailer brakes provides power. Made of cast iron or
aluminium, its airtight design enables piston assembly movement when you apply
brakes – increasing and altering force applied by each wheel independently.
Failure of any system on a vehicle can create issues during driving and lead to
collisions with other cars or objects on the road, so if a warning message appears on
your dashboard it’s essential that it is addressed quickly.
Service trailer brake system light on dashboard could be caused by many different
issues, including corrosion, seizure, binding or wire deterioration. If unsure where the
problem lies, consult your owner’s manual. If unable to identify where it lies quickly
contact a professional immediately so as to have it resolved as quickly as possible.
3. Sensors
Like other parts of your truck, your trailer brake system contains multiple sensors to
monitor its functionality and detect any irregularities or malfunctions. Should any
sensors become problematic, an alert may appear on your dashboard to inform you
about it – possibly prompting a service trailer brake system message to appear as soon as it happens.
Error code 1141 indicates a wiring problem between your vehicle and trailer that
could prevent electrical current from reaching its brakes. However, fixing this is
relatively simple, and can even be performed without professional mechanic assistance.
Locate and replace the fuse for your trailer braking controller in your power
distribution center (usually behind or underneath your dash ). When you find it,
remove and re-insert it as soon as possible; the error message should then
disappear from your DIC display; otherwise consult a certified auto technician.
4. Fuse
Fuse are safety components used to control electrical current. If too much electricity
flows through a system, too quickly or for too long, too many volts could flow and
cause it to blow a fuse if its wires become damaged or frayed. If a fuse blows
unexpectedly, simply replace it so the service trailer brake system warning message
won’t come back on again.
Your service trailer brake system warning may have surfaced due to either an
electrical disconnection, or because the controller has yet to connect with your truck.
Once this message appears on your vehicle’s dashboard, as long as no trailer is
connected, you can still drive safely – as long as no accidents or serious damages
occur to either car and trailer. However, it’s essential that this issue be fixed
immediately in order to avoid serious accidents or other types of damages, using
these guidelines above as guidance for doing so.