An acronym popular in mechanical engineering – ABC, stands for, “Always Be Careful.” Safety is a once-and-always thing you should keep in mind. The trailer brake system, especially on trucks, is an important towing safety feature for tow vehicles. So, knowing how to reset a service trailer brake controller on your vehicle is crucial.
Don’t know what a trailer brake is or what a service trailer brake system error message means? The details are in this article.
What Is a Trailer Brake?
A vehicle trailer brake controller is an OEM or aftermarket module. They’re mounted on the vehicle to assist drivers to achieving control of the speed level of the trailer, as well as stopping.
The device is mounted on the dashboard on the driver’s side of the tow vehicle.
The trailer brake controller engages in proportion to the engagement of the tow vehicle’s brake. Or, it can engage by time delay frequency when reducing speed to stop. Most vehicle trailer brake systems are fitted with a plus/minus adjustment gain.
Some examples of trailers that are fitted with a trailer brake system include: horse trailers, large boat trailers, travel trailers, enclosed trailers, etc.
What Does Service Trailer Brake System Warning Light Mean?
Service trailer brake system error message implies a warning. It shows that a trailer is no longer linked to the truck such that it can receive power from it to work.
So, if you ask, “What does a service trailer brake system mean?” it indicates something is either wrong with trailer brake wiring. Or the problem may lie with the module restricting power from reaching the trailer from the tow truck. When this happens, a couple of other symptoms will be present besides the error message.
They include delay in stopping trailer, strange noise from brake, the pedal sinks to the floor, and feeling an abrupt mushy or no response when you engage the trailer brake.
You might be experiencing any of the problems given above, or simply see the service trailer brake controller error message. Quickly reset trailer brake before it takes a turn for the worse i.e. unforeseen damage or an accident.
How To Reset The Service Trailer Brake System Error Message?
Learning how to reset the service trailer brake is not necessarily a big deal. You only need a couple of tools, some of which are specific and not common. These include but is not limited to; a wooden stick or rock, strong hammer, flathead screwdriver and probably helper to make work easy for you.
So, once you have the tools around, you can start the reset process straightway. The step-by-step procedure below will guide you in resetting the trailer brake controller system of your car.
Step 1: Identify the adjustment nut on the trailer.
The first port of call is to find the adjustment nut which is situated right at the rear of vehicle’s trailer brake; close to the axle. Once you locate that part, proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Loosen locknut with screwdriver.
There is a locknut that secures the adjustment nut on the trailer brake. Now, collect the flathead screwdriver and loosen the locknut. You should now be able to perform the next task.
Step 3: Turn the adjustment nut clockwise.
Once you finally loosen the locknut, and the adjustment nut is finally free, turn it clockwise carefully until snug against the backing plate of the component, though, take care not to overtighten; lest it complicate things for you.
Meanwhile, if the recommendation still does not solve the issue you have on your hands, then, you most likely have a bad trailer brake system. You may have to consider looking for a new replacement for the component.
Is It Safe to Drive With Service Trailer Brake System Error?
Yes, you can drive with service trailer brake message. You must not tow any load until you finally fix the issue. This might damage your brake in the long run and cause accidents when you least expect it.
So, while it’s possible to drive with the trailer brake controller error message, it is not safe or ideal to do so. Your safety is 100%. So, the fact that the vehicle moves irrespective of a fault does not mean all is well.
A slight fault could lead to enormous damage or accident when you least expect it to. So, it is best to fix any fault you spot in your vehicle until you are sure that the problem is no more.
Why does my GMC say service trailer brake system?
If you’re getting service trailer brake system error warning on your GMC Sierra, it means you have a bad ITBC-integrated trailer brake controller wiring or module.
When the service trailer brake system message displays on GMC, it implies there’s something wrong that prevents the power from getting delivered to the system for it to perform optimally.
The GMC service trailer brake system message basically indicates that the ITBC has no power and cannot deliver its normal operation. It’s a serious safety issue and so, you should book an appointment to see a professional auto technician to check out the exact problem and file the necessary repairs.
How do you reset a trailer brake controller?
Resetting your truck’s trailer brake controller is simple. It helps you turn off that service trailer brake system message ASAP.
So, first, grab your flathead screwdriver, a chunk of rock or wood, a sturdy hammer, and a helping hand (friend to help). Ensure these items are handy, and go for your trailer’s adjusting nut. The item is usually located near the axle at the back of the trailer brake.
Take the locknut off—use the flathead screwdriver to do this and allow the adjusting nut to get loose. Now, turn that adjusting nut clockwise until it sheaths tightly against the backing plate. Pronto! That’s how it’s done!
What are service brakes on a trailer?
The service trailer brake system is affixed to the trailer on a 2014 Silverado ride, thus allowing the driver in that truck easy management of the effort of the trailer brake. It is mainly for a wonderful driving experience as you are towing that truck.
The trailer brake system itself is prone to corrosion, and this could lead to seizure and binding, deterioration of wire, etc. These are important factors in a braking system, especially when you ignore them for a long time.
How do I turn the service brake assist off?
There are practically no precise means to switch off your service brake assist as these are all-factory made and manufacturers ensure they keep the component active because of its safety role in case you have a sudden accident.
The only option is to take the fuse that regulates the brake assist system off that component. Disengaging this item and switching off your brake assist simply means you are now the most responsible for your safety since you are no longer enjoying the perks provided by the default system.
It’s therefore best that you learn how the brake assist system operates in fine detail in other to leverage it properly.
Is there a fuse for trailer brakes?
Of course, a majority of trailer brakes are fitted with a 30-amp fuse. You can find the fuse in the engine compartment, right in the vehicles under hood. It does well at its jobs when it gets a voltage level that’s in line with its capacity.
Fuses are fitted to protect those actual components that they are connected to in the vehicle. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the trailer brake system, mind the regular maintenance.
You do not want to swap out the trailer brake if the component is not at the end of the road. So you have to mind it.
How much does it cost to fix the service trailer brake system?
You may be looking at about $300 for fixing the service trailer brake system. That amount includes parts, labor, as well as the complete installation.
A word on the service trailer brake system; the replacement cost can vary largely. Largely because of the type of trailer brake controller and the auto technician doing the job.
So, one, two or many, ensure to draw up a budget, factoring the cost of fixing your vehicle’s trailer brake system into it. No matter how much, the entire fix for a service trailer brake system in your GMC Sierra will not cost a fortune.
Final Words
Just as the importance of safety cannot be overemphasized, you can’t be too safety conscious about the service trailer brake system on your 2017 Silverado. Without belittling any aspect, being 100 percent safety conscious is extremely critical for you and your vehicle.
So, ensure that your service trailer brake controller is in perfect condition all the time. But if you’re already observing service trailer brake controller error in your truck, don’t panic; simply drive straight to a qualified auto technician’s shop to get the problem resolved.
Meanwhile, if you’re a DIYer, try to follow the above steps on how to reset your trailer brake.