Would Dead Breakaway Battery Throw Code for OEM Brake Controller on 2018 Chevy Silverado

Updated 04/16/2020 | Published 04/15/2020

Question:

I have a 2018 Silverado, integral trailer break in the truck. Wiring is all good, could a dead breakaway battery On the trailer cause a signal to the truck to check the trailer wiring. All trailer lights work, marker, tail, break, even electric trailer breaks. But pulling the trailer it keeps sending the signal to check the trailer.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

I don't think a dead breakaway battery would cause an error message to pop up, but that is something that would need to be addressed anyways with a charger like the NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 12V - 2 Amp # 329-GENIUS2D or by replacing the entire breakaway kit (see attached link).

Once the battery is charged up or you have replaced it that will let you know if the dead battery was for some reason throwing a code or not. If you are stilling having that code pop up then you could have some dirt/debris in the vehicle or trailer connector, or you may have a bad ground for the brake controller or your trailer brakes.

If you check all of that and you are still having issues then I'd take your 2018 Chevy Silverado to your nearest Chevy dealer to see if they have every heard of this before with a factory controller.

expert reply by: Jon G