Service Trailer Brake System Error Message on 2015 GMC Sierra

Question

Question:

Hello my dash board is sending me a service for the trailer brake system it’s a GMC 2015 are we ok to drive it with that warning???? Can we disabled that?

asked by: Karla

0

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for a 2015 GMC Sierra, the "Service Trailer Brake System" error message can appear on models equipped with the factory integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) and represents a problem in the trailer brake module or wiring that will not allow power to be sent to the trailer's brakes. It is okay to drive the vehicle with this error message present but you will not want to do any towing until it is fixed. Unfortunately, third party support for the factory integrated trailer brake controller is not in abundance therefore you will need to take the trailer to the dealer for service. I am not aware of a way to disable the error message.

The factory integrated trailer brake controller can be very expensive to fix and troubleshoot so if I were you I would opt for an aftermarket brake controller which will actually perform much better than the factory integrated trailer brake controller and will be easier/more cost effective to fix if anything were to happen. For this, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR.

The Tow-Pro Elite is very similar in design to a factory trailer brake controller in that there is a control box that gets installed under the dash, out of sight and then a control knob that gets mounted on your dash wherever you prefer. This will provide a very clean look and will allow you to mount it in many different locations. The main benefit of the Tow-Pro Elite over the factory integrated trailer brake controller is that you can switch between proportional and a user-controlled mode which I am not aware of any other brake controller that can. It also works with electric over hydraulic trailer brakes which a lot of factory integrated trailer brake controllers do not.

In order to disable the factory integrated trailer brake controller and possibly turn off the "Service Trailer Brake System" error message you will need to take a look at the attached help article and perform the following.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Chad G.

3/14/2020

My Sierra 2500 has the service trailer brake system even when we are towing a trailer .. and it doesnt stop either cant figure out how to shut it off..

Chris R.

3/16/2020

Unfortunately I don't have any info on how to actually shut that error message off other than locating and fixing the problem that's triggering it. Typically the issue is somewhere on the brake output wire that goes from the controller to the 7-Way connector. Inspect any portion of this wire you can access and look for pinched or damaged portions. You could also inspect the brake output pin on the 7-Way itself to see if there is any debris or corrosion that needs to be cleaned out.

D. D.

6/4/2020

@ChadG You can disable the message from popping up in your top menu button (Mine on my 2013) only temporarily, but check your fuse first before you replace any other part. Mine was the fuse in fuse box under hood. A 30 amp at front , closest to rad. I did check the relay and no signs of dirt or corrosion. Test 7 way plug and all Ok!

Jimmy

6/11/2020

@DD which fuse?

See All (7) Replies to Chad G. ∨

D. D.

6/4/2020

You can only temporarily disable the signal on your top menu key when you start it so it displays your speed temp., etc. I read where guys have been replacing the relay or dash brake control. First! BE SURE to check under the hood to the front of fuse box there is a 30 amp fuse. Check it carefully, before... you start replacing the relay and controller. Mine turned out be a blown fuse. I removed the relay, to check if it was full of dirt or any salt corrosion and it was actually clean! So fuse first .

Ernie G.

6/7/2020

My 2017 is having the same trailer brake message, what would happen if I unplugged the connector fitting from the module, and left it unplugged?

Chris R.

6/8/2020

This might clear the error message but then of course you won't have a brake controller. It doesn't hurt to try it and see what happens.

Ernie G.

6/8/2020

@ChrisR thank you, I'll give it a try,

What H.

7/7/2020

What if you're pulling a trailer that does not have its own brakes? Am I correct in assuming that if I unplug the trailer brake controller it would not matter because my light trailer does not have brakes?

Chris R.

7/12/2020

You may still get that error message on the dash but with regards to function it won't matter when pulling a trailer without brakes. As long as you're okay seeing the message and hearing the chime, tow away.

Virgil S.

7/24/2020

2015 Silverado 4wheel Dr... Service trailer system comes on the dash.. dealer said I would bring it in and if it hadn't stored the code nothing they could do. Said the machine to hook it up costs 129.00 any ideas that I could check out or fix?

Chris R.

7/29/2020

Typically that error message is triggered by an issue with the brake output circuit. You can try inspecting the 7-Way itself for any corrosion that might be built up inside the pins, cleaning out as needed. Then inspect any wiring behind the connector that you can access, looking for any pinched or damages areas that need to be replaced.

Virgil S.

7/29/2020

@ChrisR where is the brake circuit output located on my 2015 Chev Silverado 4x4

Jon G.

8/6/2020

@VirgilS The pin for the trailer brake output will be in the 5 o'clock position on your vehicle-side 7-Way connector. Here is another page that has to do with troubleshooting but it has a photo that will help show where that pin is at.

Helpful Links

question-424969.html

See All (5) Replies to Virgil S. ∨

Answer 1

Hi Jeff, welcome back and sorry to hear that gave you so much trouble. The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller #RED57AR will work on your Silverado. This plugs in-line at the back of your 7-way at the rear of the truck. You can either…

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Answer 2

If the lights on your trailer are working but the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 is telling you that a trailer isn't connected to your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 then that means the problem is somewhere on your trailer brake circuit.…

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Answer 3

There are many possibilities that might be causing your brake problems. A dirty, damaged or corroded trailer connector on the vehicle or the trailer, an open circuit in the trailer wiring, worn brake magnets. Any of these could be causing your…

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Answer 4

We can help bypass the OEM controller of your 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 but to answer your first question you do not need to take truck to dealer to have any check engine lights addressed. I would recommend the Prodigy P3 part #90195 for you because this…

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Answer 5

Hey there Brianna, the Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller #RED57AR can be mounted just about anywhere in the cab where there is a hard surface like plastic or vinyl. Most mount it on the dash or center console area. The nice thing about…

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Answer 6

I attached an install video for the Prodigy P3 brake controller part #90195 on a 2013 Chevy Silverado that shows the exact same process as what it will take to install on your 2010 Chevy Silverado 1500 for you to check out. There isn't an adapter…

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Answer 7

To check the pins on the vehicle side 7-Way, you can use a circuit tester or the volt meter. The circuit tester will show you if a signal is coming through on the pin you are testing while the volt meter will tell you that and how much voltage is…

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Answer 8

I attached an FAQ on installing a brake controller in a vehicle like your 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500. Based on the description you gave I think the light blue wire with a white stripe would not be the correct wire to use. The wire you are looking for…

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Answer 9

From what I understand of the 2010 Chevy Silverado, you first will need to release the connector and housing from the bumper. Pull it out, wiring and all, just enough that you have a little room to work. The housing should then just be able to be…

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Answer 10

The best option for you to by pass the factory brake controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195 which has storable settings to save the brake settings for more than 1 trailer. Since you tow a 5th wheel and an utility…

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Answer 11

For your 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 with integrated brake controller, the brake output wire will run directly from your controller to the 7-way. You can test the 5 o'clock pin of your connector for braking function using an incandescent tester…

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Answer 12

The Redarc Encapsulated Power Diode #RED34FR is only needed on vehicles with certain advanced safety systems like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Assisted Emergency Braking and Autonomous Emergency Braking. If your 2016 Toyota Highlander has these…

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Service Trailer Brake System Error Message on 2015 GMC Sierra

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