Service Trailer Brakes

[Corvette Scott]

Hi,
New 2022 Yukon XL with max trailering package, hooked up to my car trailer and it works for about three stops then "service trailer brakes", lights work and trailer is recognized when hooked up. I went and cleaned the trailer ground, and trailer connector just in case. If I start the truck and don't drive ( hit the brakes a bunch sitting still) it seems to work, occasionally will give the message but if I hit the trailer gain it starts working. trailer is a 2009 open car hauler, all LED lights, never had an issue with my Avalanche. Also every time I restart the truck it recognizes the trailer and the brakes will work a couple times then nothing. I bought a new connector per PIT5509H and will try it this weekend. Anyone else have this happen and get it fixed?

Thanks

 

[B-train]

I had a 2015 service truck that would do that occasionally. I ended up needing a new brake module that was mounted in the back by bumper and would get wet over time. I did also find that keeping the connector cleaned with contact cleaner and then a good coating of dielectric gesase, or spsay grease, worked good for helping to prevent the "trailer" warnings that came with a borderline connection.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum.

Is any of this covered under warranty? You said you bought a new connector.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I’d try the new connector and keep dialectic grease on it. If that doesn’t fix, work with your dealer.

I have all LED lights on my trailer and occasionally get a check turn signal message, but it always ends up working.

 

[Corvette Scott]

Welcome to the forum.

Is any of this covered under warranty? You said you bought a new connector.

The truck is only three weeks old so it is under warranty. I bought a new connector for the trailer to eliminate that as an issue.

Thanks

 

[swathdiver]

Why are you blaming your car when it is telling you to check out the trailer? Just a thought.

 

[jforb]

If the connector doesn't fix it, have a close look at the rest of the trailer brake wiring. It needs to be "right"...no undersize wires, no flaky connections, good grounds, etc.

 

[Fless]

The new rigs auto-sense the trailer connection, but I was thinking that it applied only to lights. Other owners have had this issue with lights.

It may, however, affect the trailer brake function. Something to do with the module that senses that the trailer's connected.

 

[eshahak]

I have the same issue and have had it since new. The dealer says its the trailer, but I have towed 3 different trailers and all have the same issue. Its so bad to the point its dangerous to tow, because my trailers all use electric brakes and i had an instance where the brakes went out when coming to a stop sign and pushed me into the middle of the intersection. They want me to tow my trailer in so they can check on it because they cant recreate it, the warranty wont cover any work. I have a small travel trailer, boat trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes and i towed a uhaul last weekend. I took video and hope the dealer will take care of me this time.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Is the Trailer’s Brake Actuator a Dexter? See this link, not sure if it applies or not:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176199-0001.pdf

 

[Corvette Scott]

Thanks for the responses. I did put on a new connector on the trailer per a TSB, worked for about ten tries then "service trailer brakes". Drove a little more and it started working for the last three stops. I think I will check all the connectors again and see if that helps. Trailer works perfect on my Avalanche.

 

[jforb]

The new rigs auto-sense the trailer connection, but I was thinking that it applied only to lights.

When you first connect the trailer and start the engine, it notifies you that it detected trailer brakes connected.

I haven't had any issues with the brakes on either of my trailers towing with the 2022 Tahoe, but I did rewire them both several years ago.

 

[Clancy]

If the connector doesn't fix it, have a close look at the rest of the trailer brake wiring. It needs to be "right"...no undersize wires, no flaky connections, good grounds, etc.

 

[Clancy]

I agree. Always check for flaky connections, especially in the grounding system. We tend to overlook grounding but a bad connection in the trailer ground wiring can cause the vehicle brake controller to not find a trailer that it thought was there earlier.