How to Reset the Service Brake System Light on a Silverado

The instrument cluster that sits in front of the driver in any vehicle is a hub of important information. It has everything from your speedometer to the tachometer, fuel gauge, and turn signals. While many of the gauges light up every time you turn on your vehicle, several others will only light up when there is a problem.

One of these is the service brake system light. If you notice this warning light appearing when you turn on your Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and it stays on, you may want to learn how to reset it. Our team at Cochran Chevrolet is here to explain the process so you can quickly and easily resolve the issue.

Resetting the Service Brake System Light in a Chevrolet Silverado

Chevy Mancation by Nan Palmero is licensed by CC By 2.0

The service brake system light is usually orange or red and comes on when you turn the ignition to the on position. When things are functioning normally, it turns off when you start the truck. If the light stays on after you start your Silverado, there is most likely an issue that needs to be addressed. Your first step should be to troubleshoot the reason for the light, but even after the problem is fixed, you may need to reset the service light to make it turn off.

The easiest way to reset the light is to disconnect the battery. You can do this by using a wrench to remove the positive and negative terminal bolts from the battery. After unfastening the nuts, remove the battery terminals and let them sit for about fifteen minutes before reconnecting them. After reconnecting the terminals, start the truck back up to see if the light is reset. If you’re not sure how to disconnect the battery, you can always bring your Silverado to our service center, and we can do it for you.

If the light continues to stay on after disconnecting the battery, you might have to try a few other things. Some of the steps you can take to diagnose the problem include:

Check the Brake Fluid Level

If the brake fluid is low, it might trigger the light. You can check the fluid and add more if needed. To do this, locate the reservoir under the Silverado’s hood, and remove the cap. Once you top off the fluid, replace the cap and start the truck to see if the light goes off.

Check for Leaks

Your next step is to check the brake system for leaks. Make sure to inspect the brake lines and other components. If the hydraulic brake system has a leak in it, and the pressure differential switch in the combination valve closes its contacts, it will trigger the light.

Bleed the Brakes

If there are no leaks and the fluid level is correct, you might have to bleed the brakes. If you don’t know how to do this, bring it to your mechanic, and they will do it for you. But if you are comfortable handling this kind of task on your own, the owner’s manual should have instructions on how to bleed the brakes.

Replace the Service Brake Light Bulb

If all else fails, replace the light bulb. In some cases, this might resolve the problem.

What Causes the Service Brake System Light To Come On?

There are several reasons the service brake system light might come on in your Silverado truck. Some of these include:

Problem With the Service Brake System

Every component of the braking system needs to be working correctly in order to slow down your Chevrolet Silverado when you press the brake pedal. If a problem occurs within the braking system, it will trigger the brake pedal to sense the problem, which will then turn on the dashboard light.

General Service Is Needed

The light might come on if the Silverado needs general service, including the braking system. Bring your truck to our service center and let our expert technicians get it up and running.

Air in the Brake Lines

Air can get in the brake lines in several ways, but if it does, it makes it difficult for the truck to stop. The air can compress in the lines, causing spongy and erratic braking. Because the system isn’t working as it should, the service brake system light is triggered.

Worn Brake Pads

Brake pads wear down over time, and as they become increasingly more damaged, they won’t provide the same braking power. As a result, worn brake pads need a longer distance to bring the truck to a stop, and you’ll need to apply more force on the brake pedal to get it to stop. Since driving with worn brake pads eventually becomes a safety issue, the service brake system light alerts you to a problem.

Faulty Brake Caliper

A defective brake caliper is another reason the service brake system light might come on. Since the brake caliper is responsible for applying pressure to the pads, it won’t be able to apply the proper amount of force if it’s not working correctly. This tends to be a rare issue, but if you have new brake calipers installed and one is flawed, it will trigger the warning light.

Defective Brake Rotor

Like brake pads, brake rotors wear out over time and use. The rotor is the component that brings your Silverado to a stop. It won’t be able to do this if it’s worn or damaged.

Problem With the Emergency Brake

A problem with the emergency brake will also trigger the light. It might be that the emergency brake is slightly engaged, and you don’t realize it. On the other hand, it could be a switch fault or a short.

When Should You Reset the Service Brake System Light?

If the service brake system light comes on and starts to flash, it means there is a problem with the braking system. You should bring your Silverado in for service if you see the flashing light.

If the problems with the braking system have been resolved, but the light keeps coming on, you might need to reset it.

If you have a Chevrolet Silverado and the service brake system light stays on, you can bring it to Cochran Chevrolet and have our service team check it out. Our technicians have the training and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem and reset the light. Trust your #1 Cochran team to get you back on the road in no time.