Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installation On 2013 Dodge Journey

Question

Question:

I had a hitch and 4 pin installed and recently had a trailer shop to install a brake controller with the 7 pin universal kit. They received an error from the controller stating something to the effect of trailer disconnected from negative ground. The controller display goes nuts when I hit the brake and the traction light came on. I had the cut the wires for the controller and the traction light went off. I went over the wiring with them so I am familiar with how they installed. The only thing I see that may be off is the ground. They grounded it in 2 places but sisnt run to the negative terminal. Could this be the issue? They are tapping off the LED brake lights, which i think I read doesnt have enough power. Would the problem be tapping the LED brake lights? They are at a loss.

asked by: Chris B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will want to start from the beginning to make sure you get everything wired properly for your brake controller on your 2013 Dodge Journey.

You will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to check the wires as you are installing the controller. I recommend installing part # ETBC7. This harness will connect to your 4-way connector for the running lights, left turn and right turn. You will then need to run the black wire from the # ETBC7 to the battery with an inline 40-amp circuit breaker. Run the blue wire from the # ETBC7 to the brake controller. The white wire needs to be grounded to a clean bare metal surface, and the purple wire can be capped off. When complete this will give you a working 4-way connector along with a 7-way connector you need for your trailer.

From the back of the brake controller the black wire should be run to the battery with either a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker inline. The white should be run to the negative terminal on the battery and the red should be run to the cold side of the brake light switch, located at the top of the brake pedal. This will only show current when the brake pedal is pressed. I have attached a drawing that shows how the wires should be run for the 7-way and the brake controller.

Tapping into the brake lights may not carry enough current to trigger the controller if that is what you are referring to. The brake controller must be attached to the brake light switch mentioned above.

I have attached some helpful articles you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

1

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Answer 1

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 2

Good question, and even with the phone off - or if it dies due to a dead battery - the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 will still work. Like you said, you won't have the ability to use the manual override, but you will still…

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Answer 3

When it comes to installing a trailer wiring harness on your 2017 Dodge Journey there are two options you can choose from: With Incandescent Bulb Taillights With LED Taillights The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 8

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 12

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installation On 2013 Dodge Journey

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