I was wondering if anyone might have some input. On our truck an error messages flashes with an explanation point and a message asking if the trailer is connected along with beeping here and there. We have had two dealers look at it and they can find nothing wrong. My husband took his truck in to be checked and they also could find nothing wrong. We picked it up yesterday from the RV center and was ready to leave on vacation and it started again. We now have another appointment somewhere else tomorrow morning. Thanks for taking the time to read!
My Dad's 2015 Silverado 2500 with IBC will occasionally give the "service trailer brakes" alert when NOTHING is connected! Dealer can't find any problems either.
Do some diagnostic testing. Try the trailer with a different truck. Try the truck with a different trailer. Which does the error message "follow?"
Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.
I had this issue with my 2016 chev 3500. The chev connectors in the bed of the truck do not make a good connection with my trailer plug. Used dielectric grease and sprayed it in the plug and problem went away.
An intermittent problem with the trailer wiring is nearly impossible for the RV shop to find unless they've pulled the wires out and physically examined them and even then it's difficult.
If if were me, if just run new wire from the plug to the brakes. Odds are it's undersized anyway and you'll end up with better braking.
Thank you for your replies. This has gotten to be crazy. The RV center said everything mentioned is good and we are now waiting for GM to call. We took the truck in again somewhere else today and all is fine. Everything is supposedly great but the alarm is still going off. Thanks again for all the suggestions!
The 2015 Chevy I drive for work would give the "Service Trailer Brakes!" message when hooked to my flatbed. After lots of looking I discovered a bare spot on the brake wire where it entered the axle tube on one side. I tapped it up good with electrical tape and that solved the problem.
I had a similar problem and after many nonproductive visits to RV service and Chevy. I replaced the brake wires that were run through the inside of the axles (thinking there was a worn wire resulting in a short). I never had the problem again.
My guess would be bad trailer wiring that is loose or partially broken. Maybe a loose or corroded ground wire. My utility trailer is 13 yrs old and was doing that. I found a bad ground on one tail light and broken wires under the trailer. I replaced all the wiring and the problem went away.
