I have a 2003 2500HD duramax/allison. I bought this truck used from a dealer 2 months ago. I love it and hate it all at the same time. I have since put over $1200 into the front end to replace parts damaged by previous owner abuse and ignorance( ran torsion bars all the way up without an alignment).
For the last couple of days the Service Brake System display comes on and off intermittently when I start the truck. Today it came on and stays on. I have checked the brake fluid level, brake pads, rotors, etc... and everything looks good. Brakes work just fine. Any ideas fellas?

Mine did the same thing and will do it occasionally in cold weather.

1. I think it would happen more often if I had my foot on the brake while engaging the starter. Maybe I have trained myself not to have my foot on the starter while starting - I haven't noticed this issue in over a year.

2. This issue can be aggravated by a loose or insufficient ground. Clean and re-install the ground connectors - for example remove paint/undercoating where grounds attach to frame/body and tighten them down. I suppose you could spray them with a little of that stuff for treating battery terminals for corrosion protection...

3. I was under the impression that GM might come out with a re-flash of the brake controller to alleviate this issue - but am not sure if there is any update on this.

- jeff

Does it feel like your ABS engages at slow speed? If it does the sensors probably need removed / cleaned and re-installed. I had this problem on my 3500 and having the sensors cleaned solved the problem. It's actually the mounting bracket of the sensor that needs cleaned.

Thanks to both of you for getting back to me on this issue so quickly. I'll try doing both of your suggestions to see if I can get rid of it for good. Case in point, yesterday it was on all day long every time I started it. This morning I go out and start it and no brake message. Anyway, I appreciate the advice. This forum is invaluable.

Seth

I had the same thing, there is a TSB out on it somewhere. Mine did it too and GM reflashed Brake control Module and problem solved. Don't ask where TSB is cuz I can't for the life of me remember....

I had the same thing, there is a TSB out on it somewhere. Mine did it too and GM reflashed Brake control Module and problem solved.

ditto