Service Trailer Brake System Error Message on 2015 GMC Sierra
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
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.
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
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
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 .
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
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
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on Trailer Brake Controller
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?