Restore Safe Towing and Eliminate Annoying Warnings
Seeing the dreaded ‘SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM’ message on your dash? If you own a 2013-2014 GM HD truck, you’re not alone. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless trucks roll into the bay with this exact issue. The problem often traces back to a failed Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM). Located on the frame rail, these modules are exposed to harsh elements—road salt, water, and vibration—which eventually leads to internal failure, leaving you with no trailer brakes and a persistent warning light.
This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a critical safety issue. A faulty TBCM means you’ve lost the ability to properly control your trailer’s brakes, drastically increasing stopping distances and risking a dangerous situation. Don’t let a small electronic box compromise your safety. We offer a direct-replacement, genuine GM TBCM that solves this problem for good. The best part? We handle the most difficult step for you. This module arrives at your door pre-programmed with the latest GM software, coded specifically to your truck’s VIN. This eliminates the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming, turning a costly repair into a straightforward DIY job.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 2014 Silverado 2500 that came in with an intermittent ‘Trailer Disconnected’ message. The owner was frustrated because it only happened on bumpy roads. We checked the 7-pin connector and trailer wiring, and everything seemed fine. On a hunch, I tapped the TBCM on the frame with a rubber mallet, and the error message flickered on the dash. The constant vibration and a bit of moisture intrusion had damaged the circuit board. Swapping in a new, programmed 2013-2014 Silverado 2500 TBCM solved the issue instantly. It’s a classic failure mode for these parts.
Is Your Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TBCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs replacement:
- ✔ ‘Service Trailer Brake System’ message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
- ✔ ‘Trailer Connected’ / ‘Trailer Disconnected’ messages cycling randomly.
- ✔ No output or weak output from the manual trailer brake controller slide.
- ✔ Trailer brakes not applying when you press the truck’s brake pedal.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the system, such as C1512, C1524, or U0428.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
With our pre-programmed module, installation is a simple plug-and-play process. You can have your truck’s towing system restored in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the Module: Find the old TBCM. On most pickups, it’s mounted to the inside of the driver-side frame rail, just in front of the rear axle. On Suburbans and Yukons, it’s typically on the driver-side frame rail, near the middle of the vehicle.
- Disconnect and Remove: Unplug the two electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Then, remove the bolts or nuts (usually two) holding the module bracket to the frame.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new 2013-2014 Silverado 2500 TBCM into the same location. Reconnect the two electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Final Step: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the truck and verify that the ‘Service Trailer Brake System’ message is gone.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM HD Truck
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 20850923 and 20964299. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles equipped with the factory towing package:
- 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Pickup (Towing Control; LH rear frame)
- 2013-2014 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Pickup (Towing Control; LH rear frame)
- 2013-2014 GMC Sierra Denali 2500/3500 (Towing Control; LH rear frame)
- 2013 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 (Towing Control; LH middle of frame)
- 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 (Towing Control; LH middle of frame)
By purchasing a pre-programmed 2013-2014 Silverado 2500 TBCM from us, you’re not just buying a part; you’re buying a complete, hassle-free solution that restores factory performance and safety. Provide your VIN at checkout and let us handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide my VIN?
Yes. We cannot ship your order until we receive your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. This is required to program the module with the correct software and calibrations for your specific truck, ensuring it works perfectly out of the box.
Is this part difficult to install?
Not at all. Since the module comes pre-programmed, installation is a simple mechanical swap. You just need to unbolt the old module and bolt this one in its place. It typically takes less than 30 minutes with basic tools.
Where is the TBCM located on my 2014 Silverado 2500?
On the 2013-2014 Silverado and Sierra HD pickups, the Trailer Brake Control Module is mounted to the inside of the driver-side frame rail, typically just forward of the spare tire.
Will this fix the ‘Service Trailer Brake System’ warning?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. This warning is the most common symptom of a failed TBCM. Replacing the faulty module with this new, programmed unit is the definitive fix for the problem.
What if I install it and still have a problem?
While the TBCM is the most common point of failure, problems can also exist in the 7-pin connector or wiring. We recommend checking your trailer plug and the truck’s wiring harness for any corrosion or damage if issues persist.