Service Trailer Brake System message

[plasticmaster]

On my lunch break today, I drove my truck to the store, which is 5 minutes away. While driving the "service trailer brake system " message chimed and came up on the dash. It did this several times. I then drove 5 minutes back to work and it happened several more times. When I went home after work (about a 30 minute drive) it never happened. I was not towing anything. Truck is a 2014 Silverado with factory brake controller. It's never done this before today. Has anyone experienced this? Should I do anything before I tow my TT end of next week? Thanks.

[kw_00]

My 09 had that message. I purchased the new module for the break control that is mounted on the drivers rear frame rail. Back a few years ago it was like 80$. Now on Amazon’s like 30$. It fixed my 09 issues and I’m still driving it. So that could be the issue, but first make sure the 7 pin connector is clean and dry. Also make sure along the harness that it’s not damaged in some way.

[Grit_dog]

Particular to the 2016 Chevy I’m currently driving, some 7 pin plugs just don’t seat as well as others in the receptacle on the truck.
One particular trailer, there are several that I use, will almost never stay “connected” unless I tape it in tight to the receptacle. While others with different trucks have no issue with that plug.

[Geo_Boy]

I used to deliver for a company that had Fords and I would get that message every so often and it appeared to be a short, this can happen to any brand.

[Beaker]

When I got that message on my 2008, it got replaced under warranty.

[Thermoguy]

You should look at the Duramax forums. Lots of advice on that forum. It is probably not a dirty connector, maybe a corroded wire, or a steering stabilizer or a number of other things. I have only had that come on when connected to a trailer and Dielectric grease worked great.

[Lwiddis]

RobWNY, cleaning my 2015 Tahoe did the trick for me. No issues yet on the 2019 Silverado.

[RobWNY]

FWIW, I've owned a 2012 Ford, a 2015 Chevy and I currently have a 2017 Ram. I never had any issues with the connector on the Ford or Ram but on the Chevy, I would get "trailer is no longer connected" at some point in my travels every time I towed my RV. I cleaned everything numerous times. Nothing made a difference. I never learned what the issue was but it sure was annoying.

[PA12DRVR]

Agree with all of the above, but FWIW, on my 2009 Silverado my experience was:

- Water gets into the connector for whatever reason and causes the service message
- After drying, it goes away.
- Service message is also triggered if the equipment gets dirt, debris etc along with the water

- However, after a while, the factory controller has just had enough and dies. It can be replaced / fixed but you may want to look into whether your controller can (even if repaired) adequately deal with whatever "modern" trailers you'll be pulling.
- I can't recall too many specifics, but my factory controller (from my 2009 model built in 2008) even when "repaired" wouldn't work with the electric over hydraulic brakes on my new 2018 boat trailer...it was roughly the same cost to get a new P3 installed as it was to get the fix done to the factory controller...so went with new. My 2009 is now my "work" truck and it still shows the "service trailer connector" message, but it's meaningless since the new controller is what's connected to the outlet.

[ktmrfs]

Lynnmor wrote:

Fisherman wrote:
Probably corroded wiring shorting out somewhere.

Start with cleaning and inspecting the trailer connector.

yup. Make sure it is dry and no mud/dirt in it. What I've found is that after rainstorms or a good wash water can enter the connector and cause the service message. Once I blow it dry, message gone.

[Lynnmor]

Fisherman wrote:
Probably corroded wiring shorting out somewhere.

Start with cleaning and inspecting the trailer connector.

[Fisherman]

The times up meter has run out on your trailer towing module, go to the dealer and give them more money. Probably corroded wiring shorting out somewhere.

[SweetLou]

Gremlins

[Grit_dog]

It’s not just GMs that have this glitch. But think I’ve seen it more in the ‘14 and ‘16 Chevys I’ve had than others.
It’s never been an issue when I hook up later.
Just test it with your camper first before you actually need the trailer brakes I spose.