Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra - Service Trailer Brake System - EASY & CHEAP FIX

In this video we will be looking at how to repair the very common “service trailer brake system” warning for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. It’s cheap, easy, and shouldn’t take you long!
Gm Genuine Parts Trailer Brake Swirch:
amzn.to/3vQ5CSZ
Trim tools:
amzn.to/3AffSqa
IG: BriGuyGarage
**The above links to tools, items, and parts used in this video may earn me a small commission through Amazon. This helps me tremendously to invest back into the channel and provide the best content possible. If you are considering purchasing any of these items, I would greatly appreciate you using my links. I will ALWAYS give you guys the same tools, products, and items that I use, or of equal or better value. Thank you!

[@JeepGuy80]

I "had" this issue, it was just a 20amp fuse 😊 always check your fuses first if you get an error code or notification.

[@markymark6928]

EXACTLY WHERE WAS THE FUSE FOR IT AT?

[@whipspoon6281]

Plz STATE WHICH FUSE

[@JeepGuy80]

@@whipspoon6281 The one under the hood in the big black box of fuses, typically it would be the one that is to the trailer braking system lol some models differ, so it depends on your vehicle.

[@kennycardwell726]

If it was the fuse it would not be intermittent

[@eyewelderboat7872]

@@kennycardwell726exactly

[@georgefamilyhomestead]

Rarely do I find a good fix-it video on the first try looking for a fix, but here it is. Not only did this fix my problem, you made it clear and easy to follow. Well done BriGuy!!

[@dougreed8958]

Very clear and concise. You described what my truck was doing exactly! This happened to me again today and I found your video. Before I got home I tried something...if you have a switch you never use, light corrosion or dirt can build up; so I worked the switch firmly a bunch of times and had no errors the rest of the day. Thanks for pointing to the right spot to work on!

[@user-jk7pp6zi6e]

Saved my sanity. Super easy. Took less than 10 mins. Great video, easy to follow.

[@harvickfan1121]

I just replaced the switch in my 2018 GMC 1500, your instructions were perfect! Thank you.

[@bobman3991]

The service trailer brake alarm was going off constantly on my parents 2014 Silverado. This repair took me about 10 minutes to complete, and it WORKS!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

[@user-db5vt6yl3w]

Great video! I was experiencing this issue every few days with my 2015 Silverado. I followed this video to replace trailer brake switch last week and so far the issue is resolved! Very glad for this cheap and easy fix vs several hundred dollar fix by dealer.

[@RobertBooker-k3z]

Thanks for the info on the part and tool set. Ordered them last night with overnight shipping. They arrived this morning and I had it swapped out in less than 20 minutes. Your video was EXTREMELY thorough and helpful!!! Thanks for the help.

[@OB1974]

I just purchased my first truck and have a learning curve. This was something I may not need to do in the future but I have to say, your video and the way you presented the repair was outstanding.

[@georgeschnakenberg7808]

Everyone with a truck just bought their first truck once and everyone of us had a learning curve. Trucks aren't just a vehicle it's a lifestyle.

[@user-qd9gl1gc2b]

Excellent video ! Clean, professional and informative. Just ordered my switch from Amazon via your link. Won't be driven nuts by the "service trailer brake" alarm an y more. Thanks again for a great video .

[@jimbrown2604]

Thank you for posting this and helping us all…I’ve ordered the sensor with hopes it repairs my same issue.

[@stevebraswell734]

Very well done- you instructions and procedures on each step are very helpful

[@ScottKlueckmann]

Just changed out this switch using your recommended trim tools and I had it changed in about 5 minutes. Super easy. Thanks for the video on how to do it. I know my dealership would have charged me hundreds to do what cost me about $20.

[@RS-dc7wy]

This tutorial was flawless, please make more like this. 👍

[@Les__Mack]

Thank you for this video. I appreciate it a great deal. I purchased the same trim removal trim set from Amazon for $18.99. This is the kind of tool that you always needed but never knew existed. Thanks for enlightening me about the trim removal set as well as showing me how to replace my brake module. I got it done and didn't even curse or throw anything! It did throw a code and told me the 4WD system needed service because I disconnected all three modules as you did. Thankfully my code reader made quick work of deleting the alert. Thanks once again.

[@BriGuyGarage]

You’re very welcome! I’m glad it helped and your error is gone!

[@rob4485]

Great video, I appreciate the detail you put into this. Thank you!!

[@CJDineen]

Awesome! The links were exactly what I was looking for. Trim tools will help too. Thanks!

[@taylorbizaillion7188]

I just changed mine and your video helped me so much!!

[@jon-pauldixon894]

KZbin finally recommended me a video I actually need. Been looking for a fix for the past 3 years. Thanks

[@pjevans1830]

Thank you for this video. Hopefully this is my trucks issue. Its been aggravating me for months.

[@user-ep1wk9ok9s]

Nice video.I ordered the switch today.That is the exact issue I have with mine.Definitely annoying. Good job.

[@RoyHovermale]

Very concise and to the point. You could take the majority of these KZbin fix it guys to school!

[@markmoragues1793]

Huge help. Thank you! It’s been nagging me intermittently for a year. Just ordered on Amazon and replaced. Problem solved!

[@BriGuyGarage]

Awesome, Happy to help!

[@abeldiaz8850]

Just received the part, was able to install and finish everything in less than five mins. Hopefully it doesn’t show up ever again. Really appreciate this video.

[@KristynDougherty-tt1us]

Thank you! Great tutorial! Super easy fix!

[@fundsapache6816]

Best repair video ever. Well shot, well narrated. Not annoying to watch. Super helpful. Switch on the way.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Thank you for the kind words. Let me know how it goes!

[@fundsapache6816]

@@BriGuyGarage Will do. Outside chance I have an issue in the back but this is quick and cheap enough to do as an elimination/diagnosis step. I try not to be a "parts replacer" but this case is different. Hey, while I have you... I'll look for your videos on other issues. It's really hard to find someone who doesn't stammer or trip on their own words or add a bunch of random comments. You are clear, direct and concise. The pace is great. You don't drag on or jump to the end and skip stuff. And your voice is not annoying, either. Lol. Great channel. Have a good weekend. Thanks for your work. I snagged both the trim kit and the part through your link.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Thank you so much for your kind words, it’s extremely appreciated. The comments on this video lately have been putting a smile on my face - I’m happy to take the time to make these videos. Also, I’d you only knew the amount of times I re-record clips until I say every word perfectly! 😂

[@MrFsr1986]

Couldn’t you just plug it and put it back on ?

[@stevensullivan]

Great video, thanks for making it. Exactly what my 2015 had been doing for years progressively getting worse. I ordered the one in your link and changed it in ten minutes just like you said. Very happy camper. 👍

[@BriGuyGarage]

Glad it went well!

[@lisadaiek3691]

Totally helpful! I appreciate your simple explanations and clear, close-up photos! I'm having this issue on my 2020 Silverado and both the Trailer folks and the Dealership are saying, "It's not our issue".. I may have to replace this switch on my own! (Nervous because I have a lease vehicle!) The switch on the 2020 is on the right side of the steering wheel and looks a bit different.. so I might be out of my skill set in attempting this.. but will certainly go back to the dealership (after they charged me $150 to check out the vehicle to tell me it "isn't the truck").

[@BriGuyGarage]

Hmm.. are you getting a similar warning message on the dash? If you’re getting some sort of service light or message, it’s absolutely something that the dealer should be looking into. I would understand their response if it were an aftermarket trailer system, but they should be taking care of original equipment.

[@denisef1684]

Bless your heart!! You are a life AND monet saver! I have an appt for 6.2.23 to get my truck serviced for this very same thing. I'm ordering parts now. I am 63 years old. A female. And I have never done any self maintenance on my truck because this was my deceased husband's prize possession (other than myself) lol. I was always afraid I would break something or mess something up. However, I'm going to attempt (with my daughters help) to do this myself!!!! God bless you young man!!!

[@BriGuyGarage]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure he’d love that you’re fixing it yourself! Keep in mind that this is the most common reason for the service message, but it COULD be something else like the module itself or even wiring. The switch is a very common issue though, so let’s hope it’s that! Thank you for your kind words. I make these videos to encourage people and give them the confidence that they can do this stuff themselves. Good luck!

[@denisef1684]

@BriGuyGarage thank you! And I understand. Hopefully this will fix it and all will be good. I'll let you know when I replace this and see what happens!

[@fundsapache6816]

Love this. (not the loss, but your initiative and effort. Sorry for your loss.)

[@arecklessmadcap]

Man this fixed it right away. I’ve been dealing with it for months and the Chevy dealership told me it would cost me $700 to fix. Watch out for crooks

[@ikeramsey9009]

Typical Government Motors

[@robertselinger7310]

Excellent this helps a great deal the dealer wants 130.00 just to look at it

[@gaylordreule3487]

Best video for this repair that I've seen. Thanks

[@mannycalvar4254]

best how to I have seen on YT, very thorough but to the point. Keep it up.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Thank you very much, glad it helped!

[@mannycalvar4254]

Awesome video but didn’t fix my issue. I have a 2500 HD Silverado 2017. Got the part but for my truck. Any other recommendations ?

[@bigmikemac01]

I also have a 2018 Silverado exhibiting this problem. I think this video is one of the very best repair videos I have encountered. I am grateful for your guidance “BGG”! I went to the local dealership and asked how much to change the switch. They told me $96 for the switch and $145 labor, before tax. I am going to do it like you showed us!

[@08busamr]

Man o paid $13 on Amazon .. works flawless.. only took 5mins

[@tammypugh4855]

Mine is doing the same thing. 2018 Silverado. Definitely going to try it

[@travishill3325]

Was yours setting of your abs and stability Trac when it would throw the service trailer system? I get the trailer system service code then abs light and stability and traction control

[@bobr2418]

Very well done video. I learned what I needed to do by your excellent presentation and without unnecessary chatter. Thank you!

[@cippy24]

Great video just ordered the switch this was very helpful most def got liked and subbed. Thank you for your help!!

[@vincentbalducci1352]

Great video with a lot of information

[@JimRyser]

Unreal / THANK U - took no time at all and resolved the problem.

[@jefflastofka9289]

Nice video, good narration. Good job. Thanks.

[@keithklassen5320]

Very useful! I got the thing apart using a simple glazing bar, didn't need any fancy tools, but seeing it all apart was really what gave me the confidence.

[@brianxcunningham]

Well done! My 2015 GMC Sierra gives me occasional warnings. I might just try electronics cleaner spray on all contacts first. Maybe try to shoot some inside the switch body as well.

[@randallnealy3965]

I thought this would cost me a arm and leg to fix. You have help my blood pressure go down. It is 18 months later after you did this video but everything happen the way you said it would but the cost of the switch doubled to $42 . Still it is better that having the dealership put it in. Thank you.

[@keithshaeffer140]

Yeah I have that showing up, hood open showing up as well, ailing with stable track light coming on. The hood open was appearing more often then the others, so, purchased new hood latch and was a very easy install as well. 2 bolts, cable for hood latch and sensor. Installed it. Test drove it hood open came back on… so, now I am taking to dealership as I believe it’s the BCM. BODY CONTROL MODULE…

[@johnkirby4290]

Nice trim set. Thanks 🏴‍☠️

[@joeyv7778]

I echo other comments here. Great vid and well put together. Thanks!

[@outkast73]

This was great video and very helpful and I used the links below to order the tools and parts! Thanks for this video

[@BriGuyGarage]

Thank you very much! I’m happy it helped.

[@Ransome2501]

great presentation. thank you

[@silicontoad7186]

Great video, thanks for the Info. 🎉

[@williamroberts835]

Amazing, now I have some understanding.

[@danewert2306]

Great video👍 You are a great instructor. How did you determine the the switch was bad? Thanks

[@bikeasir]

Actually, I have been suffering from it for more than a year. Thank you for the quick solution. The best like and subscription for your support. I am Muhammad from Saudi Arabia, an expert in motorcycle trips.

[@BriGuyGarage]

You’re very welcome Muhammad! I hope this fixes your problem. Greeting from New York!

[@MarkMeldrumChevelleHunters]

very well done - this has been driving me nuts on my 2018 Silverado this week

[@BriGuyGarage]

I’m glad it helped!

[@tomchaffee6605]

Just started on my 2018 Sierra today.

[@whoopassracing]

Have any of you guys not had luck replacing this? I replaced it on my 2017 duramax and still don’t have trailer brakes. The message isn’t coming on anymore but it had stopped even before the swap. But trailer brakes stopped working.

[@tomchaffee6605]

Was getting this on my 2018 Sierra but after I moved the slider a couple times it stopped and trailer brakes are working fine. But do appreciate that video!!

[@Tcrunk365]

@@tomchaffee6605 mine just did it for the first time today on my 2018 sierra

[@rivercat7345]

thanks for posting........very imformative

[@lynnashike2446]

Thanks better then taking to the dealer and paying an arm and legs 👍🏼👍🏼

[@josephpelky1569]

He's got it together..

[@pecosb5221]

Nice vídeo you talk just the necessary. I have question my 2023 Silverado just pulled a trailer and when I apply the brake I fell like I am going over a bump’s

[@michaelbranson4413]

Thanks great video!

[@chrislindsey89]

Thanks! Great video.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Glad you liked it, thank you for watching!

[@08busamr]

Great video.. did mines yesterday.. only took 5mins and 1 🍺😂..

[@daatlsxo]

great video

[@markreetz1001]

Very well done. I almost think I can handle that repair!

[@BriGuyGarage]

You can do it!

[@dman2007]

Thanks dude!

[@BriGuyGarage]

Happy to help!

[@MrBOckert]

Thank you for the video, it was most helpful. I ended up not needing to take anything apart, once you pointed out where the problem was it seemed likely that the "switch" (which is likely a rheostat) had just gotten dirty from not being used. I operated it fully back and forth a few dozen times and have not had the fault since.

[@TOORAWCEZAR]

How’d you go about doing that? Asking cause I may have to just do that aswell

[@MrBOckert]

@@TOORAWCEZAR The "switch" that is being replaced in the video is the horizonal slide used to manually activate the brake (upper right hand side of the dash just like shown in the video). While I do use the brake system I had never had cause to use this feature so it likely developed a cruddy contact point. I simply moved it back and forth (forth is spring loaded) a couple of dozen times and the problem went away

[@TOORAWCEZAR]

@@MrBOckert don’t jinx nothing but it hasn’t came up yet Preciate you boss ! Weird problem but makes sense ig since ion ever use the switch either

[@leonardrempel7583]

Thanks for doing this video! I have the trailer brake warning light & alarm go on intermittently whether my trailer is hooked up or not. My question is how do I know that this is the cause of this warning? Thanks!

[@abelnanez5224]

Good job 👍🏽

[@stacyniswonger2574]

I tried this and fix was very easy. Video was really helpful. Unfortunately, this did not fix the problem.

[@CCWorthington]

Good video - like direct info without unnecessary commentary. Did you clear the code or did message stop without clearing code(s)? Thanks!

[@BriGuyGarage]

Nope! I did not need to clear any codes.

[@ncso911]

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 I didn’t replace mine I just removed it, disassembled it and cleaned the pc board and haven’t heard a peep since. Been three months now.

[@onlypestilence6116]

Appreciate you my guy

[@housamshkeir6595]

Well, clean shot and not annoyung at all. Replaced mine easy and hope the message will be gone

[@johnkirby4290]

Good job on your video. 🏴‍☠️

[@Kranocustoms]

Great video thank you this was driving me nuts ever 30 second beep beep beep 😂😂😂

[@bren70403]

Thank u man

[@danielaubertine6439]

Amazing quality.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Thank you for the kind words! Thanks for watching.

[@danielaubertine6439]

@@BriGuyGarage Just fixed the truck in under 10 minutes, was driving me crazy for months.

[@ChizzaGaming]

Thank you so much man, that was botherling me alot akd dealership would probably want $200 for that. lol

[@westcoastronnieOC714]

LOL! 🤣 I just had this happen as I'm driving today. I'm trying to watch this video as I'm driving . Did you include the part number in the description below? After tapping that area the warning indicator went off but I'm sure it's going to go on again. Thanks! For the video.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Oh boy lol! Yes, everything you should need is in the description!

[@westcoastronnieOC714]

No problem. At least it's an easy fix it will take a couple minutes. But again thanks! For the video

[@greggblack9549]

Great video. I followed the instructions on your video but the fault error still comes on at engine start. Any other suggestions?

[@westcoastronnieOC714]

@@greggblack9549 not sure if you have a code reader but I would plug into the OBD port and see if there's a code for that. If you replace the part and there is a code clear it. If not another alternative is to undo the battery cables and let it sit for 20 minutes and then hooked up the cables back. That'll do a reset also.

[@BigToopay]

Very good video, to the point. Do you have a part number

[@BriGuyGarage]

Links to the parts are in the video description!

[@SemiReTired]

Great video kid. New scriber,

[@Tylorgng.]

Hey I have a question. My light comes on but only when the trailer is connected but its random. Would that point to the issue being with the trailer wire and not the truck?

[@byronperez200]

Just a question . We need disconnected negative battery cable ?

[@letsenjoylife2881]

Thx bor ❤

[@WallStreet30]

Best video on removing the panel took 1 minute

[@ikeramsey9009]

Just curious does this also mean the switch is truly broken? Or does it still work with the alarm going off?

[@MackmanRell]

Can I just unplug the top part if I never use it ? I believe the bottom/middle part is for the lights

[@lunaticironclad281]

I have a gmc Denali 2018, this kept happening to me so much even tho the trailer brake system worked! I took it to the mechanic to get an oil change, they ran the codes and nothing came up, it just disappeared!

[@mike22618]

i changed out my trailer brake switch and the relay module at the bak of the truck and the warning lite is still on ... do i need a scanning tool to erase this ?????????

[@jduran4200jrd]

Did this my 2018 is still doing it. Do i need to reset it or something

[@goatlingoose]

Awesome instructions. Now if u can give me a cheap fix for the P06-DD error saying my oil pump is broken(which it isnt) youll really be hitting home runs.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Do you have an oil pressure reading on your dash?

[@marcoscaligaris3110]

You da man

[@-Dustin.-]

Hey man great video, I did this and the message on the dash is still coming up any ideas? Do I have to reset it?

[@BriGuyGarage]

Hmm.. you can try disconnecting the battery for 15 mins or so to reset the computer. To reset it specifically you would need one of the more complex scan tools I believe. In my case, I did not have to do anything other than replace the switch. I suppose you can try resetting the computer, but it’s possible that the root problem is something else - like the trailer brake module itself or the wiring.

[@yolandavaladez5535]

Hola amigo ya le cambie el Switch y las letras no se quitan de la pantalla que devo hacer ?

[@cuttdog223]

Does it fit a yukon xl 2015

[@sebastianjaromi3540]

IM having this issue when my trailer is plugged in, so would that be because the switch is shot? I don't get an error message while driving daily. Only when I am trying to tow, and that's when it starts off intermittent then the alarm just becomes constant? Thanks for the help. Great video.

[@BriGuyGarage]

Hmm.. if it is only occurring when it is plugged in, I would suspect the truck/trailer wiring near the plug/receptacle, or perhaps the module found at the back of the truck. I haven’t personally had an issue other than the switch, so I’ll need to do some digging. Check for corrosion by the receptacle at the back of the truck. You’ll need to get under there and look behind the bumper as well. For the plug coming from trailer, trace the wires and make sure they’re in good condition and going to the proper locations. You should be able to easily find a wiring diagram on Google.

[@sebastianj5848]

Thanks buddy!!! I’ll have a peak after work!

[@Skullfuqqer]

How do you know if its this fix or the module?

[@locallandscapinglawncarel.6328]

I replaced that part and fuse and is still not working. Any idea what it can be?

[@PaddlePowerAngler]

So I tried this and still get the same error message. Any other suggestions?

[@orchids3332]

There is a module under the bed with the spare tire in front of it. I changed this switch and the problem is still there.

[@joecnc3341]

So... is this error always the switch? Is there any way to see a schematic? Do diagnostic on it?

[@BriGuyGarage]

There are certainly other reasons for the error, such as the trailer brake module itself or even wiring. The switch is the most common issue. For diagnostics, you would need one of the more expensive scan tools that allows you to manually engage and check communications of the electronics. That is beyond my current ability.

[@mikepurdue7472]

My God. Mine will ding and ding and ding at me all the way to work. No word of a lie, it dings every 3 seconds. And it's LOUD. Sometimes it will ding immediately following without even giving me 3 seconds of silence. This might be enough for me to never buy another GM product ever again. And i've been a GM guy all my life. Has your truck ever done this again to you since you replaced the switch? If the answer is YES, i'd may even just rip it out completely and use the empty slot as an ashtray from now on. Thanks for the video.

[@BriGuyGarage]

In my case, the switch was indeed the problem. It hasn’t made a sound since.

[@vernonmartin8645]

Had the same problem but replacing the controller didn't do it for me. What is the next place to look? I already replaced the brake relay and that didn't do it either.

[@meredithremz3047]

Did you try replacing the fuses? I'm going to try that on mine. I think its Fuse #1.