Troubleshooting Service Trailer Brake System Error Message on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Updated 04/27/2021 | Published 04/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin, Trailer Wiring Connector - Trailer End

(124)

$20.64

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.02

Question:

Let me start by saying that in my truck, when I connect the 5th wheel electric over hydraulic brakes, I receive a trailer connected message. I can adjust the trailer gain from 0.0 to 9 and the bar across my DIC is illuminated. I can use the +/- to adjust. No issues at this time. As soon as I depress my brake peddle OR slide the brake controller, I receive the Service Trailer Brake System Error Message. After I turn off my truck and back on my truck, everything works great again. Something else I found is if I adjust the gain to 0.0, I can stand on the brakes and do not receive the message. I will only send the message as soon as voltage is sent to the trailer. Can you help me with this? I would like to test the voltage at my 7 pin connector but I do not think that my Trailer Brake System will not work unless I am connected to a trailer. Thank you for all of your help.

asked by: Paul P

Expert Reply:

This is actually an issue we have run into many times on trucks with the integrated trailer brake controller.

The Service Trailer Brake System Error Message you are getting on your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is due to an issue with the controller or wiring not being able to send the power to the brakes on your 5th wheel trailer.

You will need to inspect the trailer brake output wire running from the controller to the 7-way connector for any damage, and also check the wiring on the trailer to make sure there is not any damage causing power to not be able to make it to the brakes.

You are also correct that there will not be any power on the brake output pin on the 7-way connector unless a trailer is detected.

The easiest way to fix this is to go with an aftermarket trailer brake controller like the extremely reliable Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 which works perfectly with electric over hydraulic brakes, and would be an improvement over the factory controller as they are notorious for being less than ideal with quite a few issues.

To install the # 90195 in your truck you will need the to run # 12-1-1 from the controller to the 7-way connector on your truck to bypass the factory wiring which will get rid of future error codes.

I included a video of the # 90195 and a link to a helpful article on replacing the integrated controller for you to take a look at.