Warning messages about your Service Trailer Brake System typically indicate there
is an issue with either your car’s integrated trailer brake control module or wiring.
While driving can still continue without any troubleshooting needed, trailer
connections should not be made until all issues have been rectified.
Before anything else, disconnect the brake controller fuse from your truck’s power
distribution center or under the dash, where all fuses can be found.
Faulty Trailer Brake Controller Switch
Your truck likely displays the service trailer brake system message because of an
issue with its integrated trailer braking controller, often due to power supply
interruption or electricity not reaching its module and therefore stopping its proper
functioning. This issue should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent
accidents or damages to your vehicle from occurring.
One effective solution to this issue is disconnecting the brake controller; this will
stop power from reaching the module and will reset its message on your dash.
However, if this option is unavailable to you, simply cut its output wire anywhere
along its route from brakes to controller.
An alternative solution would be to use a screw driver to remove the adjusting nut
that holds down the adjusting lever, and once this has been accomplished you can
turn clockwise the adjusting wheel on its mechanism to reset your system.
A Blown Fuse
Electronic systems on your vehicle are protected by fuses, which act like safety
valves to regulate power movement through them. If too much electricity passes
through too fast, however, one or more fuses could blow and cause temporary issues
that prompt the Service Trailer Brake System message to display. If that occurs to
you, replace the damaged fuse immediately with a new one before it reactivates its message.
Doing it on your own without spending much money is easy – simply pull out your
owner’s manual and locate the fuse section, checking each fuse associated with
your trailer brake controller to see if any have blown.
if you can’t locate the fuse that needs replacing, another method may be necessary:
Unscrewing the adjusting nut on the trailer brake controller switch with a flat
screwdriver and rotating the locknut clockwise will release and reset your service
trailer brake system code.
Faulty Trailer Wiring
If the “Service Trailer Bra System” warning light appears on your dashboard, there
may be an electrical wiring problem which means electricity isn’t reaching your
brake controller or module.
Dirt, corrosion and moisture can clog up trailer wires at various points along their
course, interfering with current flow and shorting out the circuit and leading to
issues with trailer wiring.
One of the primary culprits of improper ground connections is an unstable ground
system. To make sure all connections are safe and tight – including those on your
trailer – scrape off any paint or coating and ensure its security.
Add jumper leads between each taillight and the trailer frame for another ground
point, using solid screws with lock washers as attachment points to prevent further
corrosion and ensure proper functioning of lights. Consider investing in a grounding
kit as well for optimal results.
Faulty Brake Shoes
The trailer brake controller is an essential piece of equipment that will make towing
safer and more enjoyable. To keep this piece working properly, be sure to regularly
inspect its electrical connections are secure before using your truck again. If a
problem arises with it, consult with a professional as soon as possible before driving again.
Problems that cause the “service trailer brake system” message on a Chevy
Silverado can arise from various sources, the most likely one being worn-down brake
shoes that need replacing by an experienced mechanic.
Problems may also arise with your trailer brake control unit not communicating with
the truck, such as misconnected wires or defective switches that do not transmit
appropriate signals. To accurately diagnose such situations, you will require an allpurpose scan tool capable of reading all computers within your vehicle to locate its source of problem.