Trailer Brake & Parking assist fault

dzimbric

Member
Oct 21, 2015
86
2
8
Shallotte, NC
I keep getting a Trailer Brake Service fault, intermittently the fault clears and the brakes work. It’s really annoying when towing weight. I have replaced the brake control relay and the tail light circuit board and cleaned the connectors.
Is there another connector between the controller on the dash and the brake relay.
It happens with all of my trailers and even shows when no trailer is connected. I also have had the “Service Park Assist” fault for awhile but just ignore because I am normally pulling a trailer.

Any advice is appreciated.
 

2004LB7

Super Moderator
Staff member
Dec 15, 2010
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Norcal
Behind the rear bumper is another connector. Mine was full of dirt and junk
 

Ron Nielson

Active member
Oct 11, 2009
773
147
43
Berryton, KS
When you say you are getting a 'fault', are you referring to a message on the DIC? Or a check engine light that has a DTC associated with it? or ?? And this is for your 2008 truck in your signature?
 

dzimbric

Member
Oct 21, 2015
86
2
8
Shallotte, NC
When you say you are getting a 'fault', are you referring to a message on the DIC? Or a check engine light that has a DTC associated with it? or ?? And this is for your 2008 truck in your signature?

It is for the vehicle in my sig line. I am getting “Service Trailer Brakes’ message on the DIC. I get it with and without the trailer being connected. I replaced the brake light circuit board located behind the bumper and the brake relay located next to the fuel tank on the frame. It may be a loose connection because it was coming back in today with no trailer connected when I would hit a bump.

Suggestions?
 

dzimbric

Member
Oct 21, 2015
86
2
8
Shallotte, NC
Does anyone know what the module located next to the trailer brake relay does? It is mounted on the frame behind the fuel tank and has a weird plug that I can’t get apart. Also how do you get the plug off?
 

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
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Feb 14, 2007
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Texas!!!
Does anyone know what the module located next to the trailer brake relay does? It is mounted on the frame behind the fuel tank and has a weird plug that I can’t get apart. Also how do you get the plug off?

That is the trailer brake control module. I just changed it on my dad's 08 dually because he was having intermittent service trailer brake messages, and diagnostics indicated that it was the problem. The new one is still giving those messages though... I remember the plug being a pain, but I don't remember exactly how it unlatched.
 

Ron Nielson

Active member
Oct 11, 2009
773
147
43
Berryton, KS
A new trailer brake control module, which mounts right next to the trailer brake relay, must be programmed. A quick trip to the dealer, or independent garage, is in order. If the module was your problem, you may have a working, error free trailer braking system. If the problem lies elsewhere, you may still have problems.
 

dzimbric

Member
Oct 21, 2015
86
2
8
Shallotte, NC
Will this cause an intermittent fault or just make it not work? I am experiencing intermittent faults and have replaced both modules under the bed of the truck.