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If you’re driving to meet up with your office colleagues on a bright sunny day! and suddenly the service trailer brake system light flashes on the dashboard of your truck. Which left you anxious thinking about what does service trailer brake system mean? and how to fix it? The service trailer brake system light tells you that your truck’s brakes are compromised, and it needs service. If the brake system is not maintained, it could cause a lack of braking or worse. Well, this indicates the damage to the wire harness between the body control modules. 

In this article, we have pointed out the probable reasons for a trailer brake system failure. Also, we have tried to give the solution for this particular problem. Let’s see what are they in detail.

What Does Service Trailer Brake System Mean?

A service brake system is a special kind of brake system used on the trailers of semi-trucks and other large vehicles. This type of service brake system uses air pressure from an air compressor to operate. The service trailer brake system helps to control the speed and stopping of your trailer. This system is important because it helps to keep you and your family safe when you are towing a heavy load behind your vehicle.

The service trailer brake system can become disengaged for various reasons, such as if the tow vehicle becomes disconnected from the trailer. If this happens, it’s important to know how to properly reset the system so that you can continue to safely tow your trailer.

How Do I Know When My Trailer Brakes Need To Be Serviced?

There are a few signs that you should look out for that indicate your trailer brakes need to be serviced. When you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to reset your trailer brake system:

1. Your trailer is not stopping as quickly as it used to
2. You hear strange noises coming from the brakes
3. The brakes feel mushy or unresponsive
4. The brake pedal is sinking to the floor

In case you notice any of these signs, it’s important to reset your trailer brake system as soon as possible. Waiting too long can result in serious damage to your brakes, which could lead to an accident. Have you been wondering what does service trailer brake system mean? and how do I know when my trailer needs to be serviced? Refer to the above-mentioned information.

How Often Should I Service My Trailer Brakes?

It’s generally recommended that you service your trailer brakes every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you use your trailer frequently or for long distances, you may need to service the brakes more often.

Be sure to pay attention to how often you use your trailer and keep an eye out for any signs that the brakes need to be serviced. By staying on top of maintenance, you can ensure that your trailer brakes are always in good working condition.

How Do I Reset My Trailer Brake System?

Till now we’ve discussed what does service trailer brake system mean? and now we’ll discuss how to reset the trailer brake system? A trailer brake system of your pickup truck may fail when you have a defective electric brake. This is a common problem for the models like Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, and Yukon as well. The trailer brakes of a pickup truck help to brake smoothly. However, it is definitely not an alternative to your truck’s original brake system. When the trailer brake system warning pops up, your vehicle may have the following issues-

1. The trailer brake control switch may have some issues.
2. Dust and dirt build up under the truck module.
3. The trailer brake relay may have some issues.

Now that you know when it’s time to reset your trailer brake system, let’s walk through the steps of how to do it.

Step 1:- Locate The Adjusting Nut

You need to locate the adjusting nut on the back of the trailer brakes which is usually located near the axle.

Step 2:- Use Flathead Screwdriver To Loosen The Locknut

Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen the locknut that secures the adjusting nut.

Step 3:- Turn The Nut Clockwise

Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until it is snug against the backing plate. Remember do not overtighten.

Step 4:- You Might Need To Replace The Brake Shoes

You may need to replace the brake shoes if the brakes are still not working properly. You need to remove the old brake shoes and install new ones.

Step 5:- Test The New Break Shoes

Once the new brake shoes are in place, you need to reassemble the rest of the brake system and test it out before hitting the road.

How Do You Test And Reprogram A Trailer Brake Control Module?

Let’s see how to test and reprogram the trailer brake control module in your car:

Test A Trailer Brake Control Module?

To test a trailer brake controller, you’ll need to connect the trailer to your vehicle and make sure that the brakes are working properly. Once the trailer is connected, follow these steps:

1. Apply the brakes on the vehicle and hold for two seconds.
2. Release the brakes and press the “test” button on the controller.

When the brake controller is working properly, you should see a light on the display panel. If not, consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.

Reprogram A Trailer Brake Control Module?

In case your trailer brake control module needs to be reprogrammed, the first thing you’ll need to do is locate the module. This is usually located in the glove box or under the dash. Once you’ve found the module, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the “learn” button on the module for two seconds.
2. Apply the brakes on the trailer and hold for two seconds.
3. Release the brakes and press the “learn” button again for two seconds.

You should now be able to use your trailer brake control module. If you face any issues while reprogramming you need to consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.

Conclusion:-

If you’re wondering what does service trailer brake system mean on the dash? Refer to this article, this message shows up on the screen when there is a breach in the trailer brake system. It could be a functional problem or a manufacturing problem. It could be a little difficult to figure out what and where the problem is. Also, check the wires and fuses if there is a bad connection. Resetting the service trailer brake system is a simple process that can be done at home with little to no experience.

To reset the service trailer brake system, remove the wheel and adjust either a screwdriver or a “star wheel” adjuster. This adjuster will need you to tighten your brakes until you are unable to turn the wheel. Then you’ll need to back away until you can freely rotate the wheel again. We hope the above-mentioned information will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.