Working on the brakes of a modern pickup truck like the 2019-2020 Chevy Silverado can seem daunting to do-it-yourselfers. Newer models have moved to electronic parking brakes and brake caliper designs that often require special procedures to retract the pistons and pads when doing a brake service.
Activating the brake service mode is that special procedure on the Silverado. It retracts the electronic brake calipers with the touch of a button, allowing much easier access when replacing pads and rotors or servicing the calipers.
Here‘s a quick rundown of how to activate brake service mode yourself on a 2019 or 2020 Silverado:
Entering Brake Service Mode – Simple 3 Step Process
- Turn the ignition to the "On" position, without starting the engine
- Firmly press and hold down the brake pedal for 10 seconds
- After 10 seconds, briefly tap the brake pedal once
- Then press and hold again for 5 more seconds
After following that sequence, you‘ll hear the brake calipers activate to retract the pistons and pads back. The truck will also display "Service Brake System" on the dash.
And just like that you are now in brake service mode, ready to get working on those Silverado brakes!
What Happens in Brake Service Mode
When brake service mode is triggered on a 2019-2020 Silverado, it initiates a special calibration procedure for the electronic brake control module and calipers. Here is exactly what will occur:
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The ABS motor will run briefly to cycle the caliper pistons back in their bores. This pushes back the brake pads from the rotors.
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The dash will display "Service Brake System" to confirm the activation.
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The electronic parking brake will be disabled for the duration of service mode.
Retracting the calipers this way is crucial when doing brake work, as it allows clearance to remove rotors and access components like brake pads. Without service mode, you‘d have a real wresting match on your hands trying to force sticky pads out!
On some Silverado models you may also hear the brake booster pump run for up to 15 minutes after entering service mode. This is normal while it performs an automatic bleed procedure.
Silverado Brake Jobs Made Easier
Using brake service mode makes most brake repairs much less troublesome on the 2019 and 2020 Silverado models. Jobs like:
- Front and rear brake pad & rotor replacement
- Caliper removal to access pistons and seals
- Brake fluid bleeding
- Replacing brake lines, hoses and other hydraulic components
All become straightforward DIY repairs even for relative novices. There‘s no more fighting against stuck piston seals or twisting calipers by hand until your fingerprints wear off!
Having the extra working room from retracted calipers also reduces the chance of damaging sensitive ABS sensor rings when taking rotors off.
So if you have one or more of those common brake repairs on your Silverado maintenance checklist, be sure to use service mode.
Safely Supporting Your Truck
Any sort of brake or undercarriage service of course requires safely lifting and supporting the vehicle first. Make use of quality jack stands with an appropriate weight rating. Chock the rear wheels from behind too.
With the Silverado supported and stable, you‘ll have plenty of comfortable room to maneuver while working in service mode. Taking those safety precautions also means you can take your time doing the repair properly, without limitations or distractions.
Here are my top recommendations for keeping your Silverado secure during brake service:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 3-Ton Jack Stands | The heavy Silverado needs jack stands able to support at least 3 tons safely. Any less capacity risks failure. |
| Chock Blocks | Chocks made of durable urethane hold better than wood ones prone to wear. |
| Creeper Seat | A mechanics creeper allows sliding under the truck smoothly without lying directly on the ground. |
| Headlamp | Hands-free light makes it easier to see those brake components up inside dark wheel wells! |
Investing in the right gear leads to repairs done right.
Deactivating Brake Service Mode
When your brake repairs are complete, you‘ll of course need to take the Silverado out of service mode before driving off.
The most straightforward method is:
- Ensure pads and rotors are installed correctly, and all caliper bolts torqued to spec
- Pump the brake pedal manually until firm pressure is felt – usually after 10-15 presses
- Carefully test brakes at low speeds before driving
Alternatively, pulling the battery cable for 30 seconds then reconnecting will also deactivate it.
If for some reason the service message persists long after a repair, a trip to the dealership can reset things via the Tech 2 scan tool. But typically pumping the brakes is enough to restore normal operation.
Alternative Methods for Sticky Brakes
In very rare occurrences, brake service mode may fail or not retract the caliper pistons enough even on properly functioning trucks. Or perhaps an older generation Silverado without this mode requires brake service.
DIYers can still manage most repairs through some tried and true mechanical techniques:
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Firmly ratcheting the caliper piston in a clockwise direction with a brake tool. This threads the piston inward.
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Carfully tapping the rotor face or caliper bridge with a rubber mallet. Metal expanding from heat allows pistons to retract.
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Reducing hydraulic pressure inside via brake bleeding. May require prolong bleeding at the caliper.
Though more tedious, these methods can also let you service silverado brakes with minimal fuss in a pinch!
Diagnosing Common Silverado Brake Problems
While brake service mode allows DIY access for replacement parts, identifying issues early on remains key:
Excessive Brake Noise
Symptoms
- High pitched squealing or squeaking when braking
Causes
- Low quality aftermarket brake pads
- Uneven glazing of brake pad and rotor surfaces
Solutions
- Replace pads and rotors as a set to restore smooth quiet operation
Vibration Under Braking
Symptoms
- Steering wheel and brake pedal shaking when braking above 50 mph
Causes
- Uneven rotor thickness between high spots and low spots
Solutions
- Resurface or replace rotors so thickness variation is under 0.001 inch
Low/Spongy Pedal
Symptoms
- Brake pedal sinks lower to stop and feels soft or spongy
Causes
- Leaking brake fluid
- Air in the brake hydraulic system
Solutions
- Thoroughly inspect all lines, hoses, seals, and bleed system to remove air
Catching and addressing such problems promptly reduces more extensive repairs down the road. Use brake service mode to thoroughly check the components above for faults.
More Truck Systems You Can Service
While this article focused on Silverado brakes specifically, activating service mode also provides benefit for some inspections or repairs to other systems:
Wheel Bearings – The caliper/rotor retraction creates welcomed space for checking wheel bearing play more easily. A dial indicator makes quick work of quantifying wear.
Tires – Extra room from retracted components grants better access around suspension and components should tires or wheels need removal.
Steering & Suspension – Clearance improves around gear like ball joints, allowing their serviceabilty to be judged better visually and physically.
So consider using brake service mode even for some non-brake repairs that might normally require partial disassembly. Just be sure to chock wheels and support everything safely before poking around in there!
Let the Silverado Brake Service Begin!
There you have it – a streamlined walkthrough for putting your 2019 or 2020 Chevy Silverado into brake service mode DIY-style.
While modern trucks employ more electronics and complexity, time tested mechanical techniques still offer solutions when needed too.
Hopefully the background and tips provided here give you added confidence for tackling more brake jobs yourself. So you can keep that Silverado hauling for years to come!
Now get out there, activate service mode like a pro and save some money on maintenance. The only thing left is to decide which awesome truck mod you‘ll spend those brake repair savings on!