Safety is one of the most crucial measures which you should consider first in everything and action. The trailer brake system in your vehicle is a significantly crucial part of the towing safety measure.
Hence, In case you acquire a trailer with electric brakes, it is necessary to learn the strategic process of resetting the service trailer brake system.
In this piece of article, we will let you know all about the service trailer brake system.
As mentioned in an owner’s manual for a GMC Sierra, the ‘service trailer brake system’ error message may appear on some models which have the factory integrated trailer brake system installed or ITBC installed in them.
So, in case your GMC Sierra is giving a service trailer brake system error signal, then it might have a faulty integrated trailer brake controller wiring or module.
The message indicates malfunction that is creating a barrier and not allowing the power to enter the trailer’s brake and stopping the system from properly functioning.
Read More: Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake
Whereas it should be alright if you drive your vehicle while the service trailer brake system error message is present, you should avoid performing any kind of towing action until you fix the issue.
Due to the fact that third-party support for ITBC is certainly not abundant, hence you will be required to contact a professional technician to check it or take the trailer to the dealer for servicing.
The error message of your Chevy’s service trailer brake system is basically a warning signal which indicates a detachment of the trailer from the vehicle. It can simply represent that the trailer is facing some issue that is preventing it from receiving power for functioning.
Hence, in case you are wondering – what is the service trailer brake system in your Chevy – it is just a sign that the trailer brake module or wiring of your vehicle is going through some malfunction that is hampering the power supply from the truck to the trailer.
When the malfunction takes place, it may exhibit some other signs alongside the error signal.
The signs can include a slight slow down in the process of stopping the vehicle, a sinking pedal, an unexpected response when you engage the brake, and a piercing noise from the brake.
In case you are experiencing any sort of issues mentioned above or at least getting the service trailer brake system error message on your Chevy, make sure to reset the trailer brake as soon as possible before it causes any major damage.
Although it may sound a bit tricky, understanding and learning the process of resetting the trailer brake system is actually not a big deal.
For performing the process, you will need a couple of tools, such as a flathead screwdriver, a hammer, a piece of rock or solid wood, and probably a helping hand from someone who can make the work easy.
After you have collected all the tools required for the process, you will be able to perform the process of resetting right away.
We have mentioned a step-by-step procedure down below, that will be guiding and help you to reset the trailer brake controller system of your vehicle.
In the first step, you will have to find out and recognize the adjustment nut, that is simply located at the back of the trailer brake of your vehicle. In general, this nut is placed closer to the axle. Once you successfully point out this part, you can move on to step two.
There should be a locknut on the trailer brake which is used for securing the adjustment nut. After spotting the locknut, all you have to do is get the flathead screwdriver and utilize it for loosening the nut. It will allow you to carry out the next task without much effort.
After successfully loosening the locknut and letting the adjustment nut be free, carefully rotate the adjustment nut in a clockwise motion, until it gets completely snuggled against the backing plate of the component.
Note: While adjusting and rotating the nut, you have to make sure that the nut is not overtightened, or else it may cause some complications in the future.
Guide On: BMW Drivetrain Malfunction – Reason And Solution
If the brakes are still not working properly, then you may require to replace the brake shoes with new ones. With the help of an assistant, just remove the current brake shoes and then install new ones.
Once the replacement is done, reassemble the rest of the brake system and try it out before driving on the road.
Moreover, in case the following recommendations do not come out to be helpful in rectifying the issue, then there’s a high chance that your vehicle has a bad trailer brake system. Hence, you may require to replace the component with a new one ASAP.
Servicing the trailer brake of your vehicle time-to-time is important for ensuring a smooth and effortless driving experience.
To understand when you should service your trailer brake, you will have to look for a couple of signs which indicate that a trailer brake servicing is required.
We have mentioned some signs below, if you ever notice any of them, consider servicing the trailer brake.
In case you are experiencing any of the following signs, it is crucial to service your trailer brake immediately. Keeping running your vehicle with these issues can cause serious damage to the brakes, and ultimately lead to accidents.
The service trailer brake system is basically a set of brakes on the trailer which is installed to helping in controlling the speed along with stopping the trailer. This system is crucial, as it allows you to tow a heavy load behind your vehicle safely.
1. Why does my truck keep saying service trailer brake system?
In case your truck keeps saying service trailer brake system then it is basically a warning signal which indicates a detachment of the trailer from the vehicle. This error message is simply representing that your trailer is facing some issue that is preventing it from receiving power for functioning.
Moreover, when the malfunction takes place, it may exhibit some other signs alongside the error signal.
The signs can include a slight slow down in the process of stopping the truck, an unusual sinking of the brake pedal, an unexpected response when you engage the brake, and a piercing noise from the brake.
In case you are experiencing any sort of issues mentioned above while keeping getting the service trailer brake system error message on your truck, make sure to reset the trailer brake as soon as possible before it causes any major damage.
2. How to turn off the service trailer brake system?
There is no particular way for turning off the service trailer brake system because they are usually factory fitted. Manufacturers make sure to keep it active due to the safety role it plays, for the most part, avoiding the chance of unexpected accidents.
However, there is a certain way to turn off the service brake system, and that is by disconnecting the fuse which controls the overall brake assist system.
Before disconnecting the system, please remember that turning off the brake assist system and detaching this competent will need you to take complete responsibility for your safety.
Thus, it will be best if you learn about the service trailer brake system’s operation for maximizing it accurately.
3. How often should I service my trailer brakes?
In general, it is recommended that one should service their trailer brakes for each 10,000 to 12,000 miles or at least once a year, or whichever comes first.
However, in case you utilize your trailer very often or for significantly longer distances, then you may require to service the trailer brakes more frequently.
Therefore, make you pay more attention to how frequently you use the trailer along with the presence of certain signs of malfunction, to understand when the trailer brakes need to be serviced.
By ensuring to stay on top of the maintenance, you will be able to keep your trailer brakes always in proper working condition.
In this article, we have tried to provide the answer to some basic questions which can help potentially increase your knowledge about the service trailer brake system.
And now that you know all about it, we hope you are not going to face any serious issues regarding the service trailer brake system.
Check More: Guidelines To Find Free Catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number
Whether you're running errands in Salt Lake City or going away for the weekend, the…
Due to the problem with the steering, steering fluid, coil spring, wear and tear of…
Automatic catalyst recycling was discovered since 2002. The signs of a bad catalytic converter are…
A car battery is 12.6v. Suppose you test a battery, you will not get to…
If you find your car having trouble with starting it, there must be the battery…
Driving a car with a clogged catalytic converter can be a pain in the back.…