Jump to content

2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD Service Trailer Brake System/Check Trailer Connection


Recommended Posts

So I have been having an issue with my truck towing trailers in the sense that I will randomly lose my running lights or brakes not working and getting the messages Service Trailer Brake System or Check Trailer Connection. I took it to the dealership they said it must be the trailer, however when I connect any trailer to my truck I have the same issue. When I connect those trailers to any other vehicle I have no issues at all which leads me to believe it’s my truck not the trailer. Dealership said to bring it to them when it has the code, yea so you want me to drive loops around your dealership with a trailer until I get the message? Then what? I have read some people say it’s the brake fluid and some say it’s the trailer brake relay (like a $30 fix). Anyways I was just looking to see if anyone else had these exact issues. Thank you!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

46 minutes ago, GMCNuneZ71 said:

 

So I have been having an issue with my truck towing trailers in the sense that I will randomly lose my running lights or brakes not working and getting the messages Service Trailer Brake System or Check Trailer Connection. I took it to the dealership they said it must be the trailer, however when I connect any trailer to my truck I have the same issue. When I connect those trailers to any other vehicle I have no issues at all which leads me to believe it’s my truck not the trailer. Dealership said to bring it to them when it has the code, yea so you want me to drive loops around your dealership with a trailer until I get the message? Then what? I have read some people say it’s the brake fluid and some say it’s the trailer brake relay (like a $30 fix). Anyways I was just looking to see if anyone else had these exact issues. Thank you!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

Not uncommon at all for the trailer brake relay to get corrosion in colder climates where different types of salts are applied on winter roads. My 14 needed it replaced this past feb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Check the wires at the connector going into the trailer brake power control module. (its under the spare tire) We just had the same problem on a 2015 Silverado. The wire looked good at the connector, but when we slid the plastic wire protection back, there was an open (corroded) wire about 2" up the harness.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

I too have a 2500HD and tow a 5th wheel and would get this warning from time to time. I check the 7 pin connector and move the pins so that the connection will be tighter. This usually takes care of it, but it has come  back again maybe due to the movement or the connecting and reconnecting of the plug.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...
On 2/8/2020 at 11:32 PM, ralanis6 said:

I too have a 2500HD and tow a 5th wheel and would get this warning from time to time. I check the 7 pin connector and move the pins so that the connection will be tighter. This usually takes care of it, but it has come  back again maybe due to the movement or the connecting and reconnecting of the plug.  

I had this problem on both my 2015 and 2017 2500 HD. Traded the 2015 before fixing but with the 2017 I replaced both the in bed and bumper receptacles. Both occurred around the  60k mark. Now I lightly seat the plug just far enough that the cover catches it and no problems. I found pushing it in more only made it worse.

The both receptacles in the bed were aftermarket and completely sealed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I have 2018 1 ton gmc diesel, trailer brakes keep blowing fuse, and get warning that trailer lights need service, just back from dealer second time in a few week, they just replace fuse and act stupid, Its very dangerous pulling heavy trailer over mountain passes with no trailer brakes, I have 2 trailers and same issue. I plug into my other gmc, no problem, have read, that a new trailer plug system might help, So new truck under warranty??  even plug into truck camper and running lights blow.. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    245.8k
    Total Topics
    2.6m
    Total Posts
  • Member Statistics

    333,236
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    Lightning123
    Newest Member
    Lightning123
    Joined
  • Who's Online   4 Members, 0 Anonymous, 921 Guests (See full list)



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.